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  the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 94 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 212.142.33.100 |
Sad news to report! I wanted to let you all know that a good friend of mine passed away 2-days ago. Singer, songwriter, keyboard player, Nathan Heathman (musical director for Jean Carn) died of a heart attack in his sleep. All I know at the moment is that his wife found him dead in bed while trying to wake him up. I will post more details when I receive them. Big teddybear... You finaly get to play with Phyllis Hyman again! R.I.P. my friend. Andreas Hellingh www.thesoulofamsterdam.com Here is some background information on Nathan Heathman (for those unformiliar to his background). You can also visit Nathan's site www.nathanheathman.com As great fairy tales unfold, so has the very career of smooth balladeer and master musician Nathan Heathman. He is known in musicians' circles as asinging sensation and piano virtuoso who has played with the late Phyllis Hyman, Rachelle Farrell, Norman Connors, Jennifer Holliday, Miki Howard, Angela Bofill and Jean Carne. He is also known as the man who comically plays the requests of hundreds of nearly intoxicated tourists who stumble upon the piano bar of a swanky Washington DC hotel, steps away from the White House, where Heathman entertains weekly. During a break between sets, he spoke about his humble beginnings and the toils of recording his first solo CD. Wearing a black floor-length blazer he often dons in concert, Heathman said it has not always been easy. "I found the piano because in second grade, we couldn't afford to rent the violin." At that time, rental was a hefty $4.00 a week. By third grade, Heathman knew he loved music after going on a class field trip to see "The Sound Of Music", then effortlessly memorizing the leads to every song. By age 13, Heathman was playing alto clarinet, that is until he heard Dionne Warwick's "A House Is Not A Home", and fell in love with the sexy saxophone introduction. It was immediately on to saxophone. Before eleventh grade, he had moved up to first chair saxophone, a highly coveted position in high school bands. Everything seemed to be musical bliss, until he stumbled upon a piano practice room and started an intimate relationship with the piano that is still going strong. He taught himself to read and play by ear. He would often play along with his music collection, trying as best he could to match what he heard. This play-along fascination would lead him to an opportunity he never could have imagined. Being a fan of Philadelphia International Records/Gamble & Huff and similar quality music of the 70's era (a period Heathman refers to as the 'greatest times in music-arrangement wise'), he attended a Jean Carne concert at an intimate Washington DC nightclub with some friends. The concert was heavenly with just one exception--she didn't sing "his" song, a favorite called "When I Find You Love." Most would simply leave the concert slightly disappointed--but for Heathman--not the case. It became a case of passion and persistence. The passion for music and the persistence of this concert patron who told Ms. Carne "I know it!" when she responded to his request by saying, "No one is my band knows that song!" As you can imagine, she invited him to the piano stand. He played-- she sang-- and a musical friendship was born. Heathman soon became and continues to serve as Jean Carne's musical director. Between then and now, he founded the band, "Moment's Notice", a band comprised of handpicked musicians who regularly assist him in backing national artists throughout the world. He stared as "Purlie Victorious", the lead role in the off-Broadway production of "Purlie" and wore the hat of musical director for Marymount University's production of "Little Shop Of Horrors." He has entertained at "open mike" nights at clubs and piano bars all over the east coast-playing a repertoire from smooth jazz to requested show tunes. He has traveled extensively with his gift throughout Europe, Canada, Japan, South America and the Caribbean. "Right Here, Right Now," his solo debut CD, is poised to place him next to his peers like Will Downing, Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson. It is eloquent, it is subtle, and it is dynamic and powerful. It is Nathan Heathman. When asked if he is ready to step into the solo spotlight, he smiles and says, "I've been training for this moment for almost 15 years". Indeed, he has been in training, watching and working for so many superstars. The moment has finally come and this moment is his-Right Here, Right Now! | ||
everettinct (everett860) 3-Pundit Username: everett860 Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.213.209.31 |
This is such a SHOCK. Nathan was such a great person and a great talent. I had the pleasure of getting to know him and watch him perform with Jean and with Angela and he loved doing it. He loved Jean, Angie and Phyllis..The girls...and he could play any song from their catalogue. My deepest condolences go out to his wife. Everett  | ||
Jester (jester) 2-Debutant Username: jester Post Number: 28 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.255.64.7 |
Very sad news.. Had the pleasure of meeting him in London when he came over with Jean a while back..what a voice too! #Until We Meet Again#..big fella! Jester. | ||
Linda Di. (linda_di_fsg) 5-Doyen Username: linda_di_fsg Post Number: 250 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.67.198.38 |
I am shocked to read this news. I knew him through Jean. A wonderful person! Don't postpone joy. Life is short. | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 5-Doyen Username: vonnie Post Number: 338 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.100.69 |
He is gone but not forgotten. May he rest in peace, and may his family heal. | ||
Treble Clef (treble_clef) 4-Laureate Username: treble_clef Post Number: 71 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Nathan will be missed...God Bless you brother...RIP |
