The life of Montreal jazz journalist and broadcaster Len Dobbin was remembered Sunday with songs and words by local jazz greats.
Friends and admirers packed in to L'Astral at 11 a.m., where they viewed black-and-white photographs and paid their final respects to the jazz icon, who died last month after suffering a stroke.
Musicians Oliver Jones and Ranee Lee spoke about Dobbin's life and passion for jazz, each performing songs dedicated to the journalist.
"He was always there, quietly, but the support of him was so huge, so gigantic," said Lee. "Every one of us who aspire to be something in this music would feel the seal of approval of Len."
Oliver Jones said he knew the first time he met Dobbin, at age 14, that he was a bastion of knowledge on the jazz scene.
"Even back then, I was just so amazed," said Jones. "He was truly an encyclopedia of jazz in Montreal."
Trevor Payne and the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir also performed a stirring tribute.
Dobbin had a long career writing and talking about the music he loved. His passion for jazz began when he was a teenager and carried on throughout his life. He died July 9 at age 74.
The memorial event was organized by the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill, and the Dobbin family.
Money raised at the event is being used to create a scholarship fund in Dobbin's name.
Watch coverage of this event on CTV News at 6 p.m.
