He lived a full, remarkable, and deeply meaningful life.
Norman Vernell Evans, 66, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Norman grew up in New Haven and West Haven, later building a life and career that touched lives from Connecticut to Maryland and far beyond.
From his earliest years, Norman’s heart beat in time with music. While other kids brought home class pets or rock collections, Norman showed up with his latest instruments: conga, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and the joy of learning something new. In middle school, he was already performing in “Battle of the Bands” with friends. By the time he reached Yale University’s Ulysses S. Grant Foundation, he was filling rooms with his piano playing. His love of music wasn’t just a hobby; it became his life’s calling.
Norman studied Music Performance at Kentucky State University and Human Services at Northern Michigan University, and also attended Yankton College in South Dakota. His education never stopped; he learned from every stage he stood on and every person he met.
Known in the music world as a Grammy Contemporary Jazz Keyboardist and Saxophonist, Norman had performed his unique blend of pop, gospel, jazz, and R&B as a solo artist since 1991. He opened for legends like Spyro Gyra, George Howard, Pieces of a Dream, Gerald Alston, and Miles Jaye, captivating audiences in clubs, festivals, and on television. He had a gift for making every performance feel personal, leaving people wanting more. As a GRAMMY U mentor, he invested in young artists, guiding them toward success in the music industry.
Norman’s career was just one part of his service to others. He worked in human services roles across Connecticut, from supervising youth outreach programs to directing social services for the Town of Stratford. He was the founder and CEO of The Norman Evans Foundation, which provided food to thousands of families in need, removing hunger as a barrier to education. His work earned him the “Program of Excellence” award from the Anne Arundel School System and a County Executive Citation. He also developed the “Discovery Primer,” a groundbreaking program connecting middle school students with leaders in entertainment, medicine, public safety, and higher education, showing them what was possible when they stayed committed to learning.
To his family, Norman was “Pop”, a big-hearted brother, uncle, and son. He had a special relationship with his nephew, Michael, once lifting him onto the hood of his truck to gaze at the stars and telling him, “Everything you see up there is yours. You can have everything you want, but that doesn’t mean you should.” He also had a quiet way of giving. When his sister longed for a 35mm camera, Norman secretly put one on layaway and surprised her with it, a gift she still treasures today.
Norman lived by the words, “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected” and “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.” His life was a testament to using his gifts, standing up for his beliefs, and lifting others as he climbed.
He is survived by his mother, Peggy Evans-Minott, and stepfather, Stanford Minott; siblings Carol Evans, Sharon Evans, Joanne Wint (Connecticut), and Tyrone Taft; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Evans, Paul Evans, and his beloved nephew, Michael Junior Wint. Norman leaves a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends who will cherish his loving memory and will miss him dearly.
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