Bruce Lundvall, CEO of Blue Note Records and Prominent Jazz Figure, Dies at 79

Former CEO of Blue Note records and a most major figure in jazz, Bruce Lundvall, who had been battling a neurological disorder, has passed away. Following recent surgery, Lundvall failed to regain consciousness. He was 79 years old.

As of late, Lundvall had been living in a senior assisted living center in New Jersey for complications involving his tragic battle with Parkinson's disease, as per Dan Oulette. Oulette told Billboard — who also wrote Bruce Lundvall: Playing by Ear — that the heavyweight was under care. Apparently, Lundvall underwent surgery but never regained consciousness.

Lundvall, who passed on May 19, was a respected and loved figure in jazz. He is credited with signing Grammy Award winners and cultural icons Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Cole and Norah Jones.

And he was also a mentor.

Per a statement issued by the Blue Note on his passing:

A self-described "failed saxophone player," Bruce took an entry level marketing job at Columbia Records in 1960 and over the following two decades rose to lead the North American division of the label, signing artists including Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Wynton Marsalis & Willie Nelson. After launching the Elektra/Musician label in 1982, he received the offer of a lifetime in 1984 when EMI approached him about reviving Blue Note Records which had been dormant for several years. He jumped at the chance, partnering with producer Michael Cuscuna to bring back the label's earlier stars like Jimmy Smith, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson & Jackie McLean, and signing new artists including Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Michel Petrucciani, John Scofield, Charlie Hunter and Medeski Martin & Wood.

A most exuberant lover of music, we extend our condolences to Bruce's family and loved ones.

For now, remember Bruce below via his discovered artist, Herbie Hancock.