Baritone Sax Master Ronnie Cuber Dies at 80
Ronnie Cuber, the baritone saxophone player Jazz Corner called “one of the most gifted players ever,” died Oct. 7.
He was 80. No cause was given by frequent collaborator Eddie Palmieri, who announced Cuber’s death.
“He is one of those people who will forever live in my heart and the memories we shared on the bandstand and in studios will always be cherished,” Palmieri wrote on social media. “Thank you, Ronnie, may your spirit roam free and be blessed.”
Over a six-decade career, Cuber made solo albums, was an original member of the Mingus Big Band, played in the “Saturday Night Live” house band and toured and recorded with a diverse cast of artists including Chaka Khan, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, David Byrne, Paul Simon, B.B. King and Dr. John, with whom he appeared on “Austin City Limits” in 1983.
The long-running PBS program eulogized Cuber as a “legendary” musician.
“We are sad to hear of the passing of Ronnie Cuber,” read a statement on the “ACL” Facebook page.
10/13/22
