DEATH OF JOHN DRAKE

Durban pianist John Drake, an icon of local jazz for decades, has died at the age of 79.

“Many will remember dancing to Drake’s fantastic music at old Durban venues such as The Palmerston, The Los Angeles, The Riviera and those wonderful Saturday jazz sessions at The Wagon Wheels in Florida Road,” says colleague and fellow pianist, Colin Penn.

“Two of John’s sons, Professor Mike Drake (one of America’s leading drummers) and fellow drummer and brother, Peter, followed their father into the music world.”

Drake is survived by his wife, Tine, and five children.