WKCR was deeply saddened to hear the news regarding legendary Philadelphia born drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, who passed away yesterday afternoon at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe. In honor of Tootie Heath's extraordinary legacy, WKCR will be dedicating a special 9-hour program tomorrow, April 5th, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This programming will preempt our regular Out to Lunch, Afternoon Classical, and Jazz Alternatives shows.

Tootie Heath's versatility as a musician allowed him to seamlessly traverse different musical realms. Tootie Heath's discography includes over a hundred recordings that have become canon. Over his lengthy career he worked with artists such as the Modern Jazz Quartet, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery, and of course his two brothers Jimmy and Percy Heath, among many others. Alongside his two brothers, for nearly his entire life Tootie Heath was an ambassador for jazz music, and he did it with style, poise, comedy, and warmth.

In addition to being a performer, reputable sideman, and bandleader, Heath was also an educator to students from around the world, and would frequently give masterclasses at summer programs, and universities. In 2018, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, and in 2021 he was named an NEA Jazz Master.

​WKCR invites listeners to join us tomorrow in commemorating the life and work of Albert "Tootie" Heath. His spirit, and enduring influence will continue to resonate in all of our hearts here at WKCR.