Jazz Organist Gene Ludwig Dead

Pittsburgh Tribune - Review ^ | 7/16/10 | Bob Karlovitz

[NRA1995]

Gene Ludwig of Monroeville, PA, billed as "relentless" in the energy he brought to his music, died Wednesday at West Penn Hospital Forbes Regional Campus. He was 72.

The native of Twin Rocks, Cambria County, was a well-known jazz performer in this area, but was known nationally as a frequent guest at clubs in New York City and San Francisco and at international events, such as the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Marty Ashby, executive producer of MCG Jazz at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in the North Side, called Mr. Ludwig "one of a kind" in his dedication to the sound of the Hammond B3 organ.

Ludwig and fellow Hammond B3 giants -- Jack McDuff, Joey DeFrancesco and Papa John DeFrancesco -- were part of a gig at the now-closed Shadyside club billed as "ExtravOrganza."

"He was one of a kind in his desire to carry on the tradition of the jazz organ," Ashby said.

[NRA1995]

Gene was one of my favorite jazz organists along with Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff.

[Califelephant]

Gene Ludwig playing “I Got a Woman”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKb8y3i8J_g