Friends we’ve lost: Ken Roberts 1932–2022

We are sad to note the passing of our dear friend Ken Roberts, who died December 2 at the age of 89. In addition to his long career as a leader in business, philanthropy, and support of the arts, Ken was an accomplished pianist and jazz lover. A friend and longtime supporter of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Ken developed a series of presentations on American popular composers that have been adapted as part of NJW’s Great American Songbook curriculum. Please join us in remembering Ken. His obituary is here.

The photo above is from a presentation by Ken and  his good friend Beegie Adair at the NJW’s 2005 Jazz at the Workshop (a day-long series of classes for the community). The presentation was written and delivered by Ken on the lives and music of Rodgers and Hart. (photo by Scott Hammaker). Below: Ken and his wife Delphine at Jazzmania in 2013 (photo by Bo May).

From the Tennessean, December 6, 2022, ‘One of the giants’: Kenneth Roberts, beloved Nashville leader, arts advocate, dies at 89

Donations in memory of Ken Roberts

Mr and Mrs Don Crichton
Mrs Roy Elam Jr.
Charlene Harb
Jeffery Norman Haynes
Helen and Neil Hemphill
Charles A. and Margaret G. Howell
Stefanie Massey
Debbie & Wylie McDougall
Mary T. Meyer
Wayne S. and Judy A. Miller
Kenneth Ross Roberts
Lucas and Susan Simons
Cal Turner Jr.
William R. Wills II
Nancy J. Weaver
Nancy Zoretic