05/24/2024
Here’s a post from a dear friend of the Cleveland and Chautauqua Jazz Parties, Dan Barrett, about one of our very favorite vocalists. Please read and respond however you’re moved.
Dear Friends around the world,
Some of you may not have heard from me for some time, and for that I apologize. I hope you are well, and finding places to perform or listen to the music we all love.
I am writing to you now with a sincere request for help for one of my dearest friends, the vocalist Rebecca Kilgore.
Most of you know my connection with Rebecca, and how much I love her singing. We had great times together, performing at jazz parties, festivals, and jazz cruises here in the USA and in Europe, England, and even Australia. We recorded several CDs together, with the group we called BED (later the "Rebecca Kilgore Quartet"), and other groups under Rebecca's or my leadership.
Thanks very much to those of you who helped arrange engagements for us.
I am very sad to say that Rebecca is not doing well these days. She was diagnosed with dementia, and is currently in an adult foster care home. I saw (and recorded) with her only last It's a real tragedy.
Most of Rebecca's European friends know about the difficult medical system we have here. People can go into bankruptcy, and even lose their homes. Such is our ridiculous health system here.
Rebecca's devoted husband, Richard Titterington (who is a fine trumpet player, by the way) has created a GoFundMe account to help with Becky's medical costs. her ongoing care will be quite expensive.
Go to: gofundme.com
In the SEARCH box, enter REBECCA KILGORE. You will see a photo of Becky, and an invitation to "Join Rebecca Kilgore's Care journey."
click on the photo
donate what you can
That's it.
I know each of you will give what you can. I also know Richard will appreciate it. As Rebecca's friend and fan, I too appreciate it very much.
If you have already donated, thank you very much for your help.
Now, here's a link to a song Becky composed. It's actually a video made of her at a recording session a few years ago. I think it's a great song: intelligent; sweet' witty; and poignant, just like Lady K herself.
Rebecca Kilgore Quartet - "The Day I Learned French"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eRgRAn0JsLg
Thank you, all of you.
Wishing you all the best, and sending love and good thoughts to Dick and Rebecca,
--Dan Barrett.
