ANTHONY DEWAYNE REEDUS
REST IN PEACE 1959-2008

April 28, 2009
Join us for a musical celebration for Tony Reedus
Contribute to the Cameron Reedus Education Fund

Featuring: Mulgrew Miller, Carl Allen, Jeff Watts, Jerome Jennings, Billy Drummond, Joe Magnarelli, Bill Easley, Bill Mobley, Dave Stryker, David Hazeltine, Steve Davis, Essiet Essiet, Richie Goods, George Mesterhazy, David Finck, Mike LeDonne, Mike DiRubbo, Javon Jackson and many more

8pm - 12:30am
Smoke
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
(212) 864-6662

Anthony DeWayne Reedus was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 22, 1959 to William Reedus and Geneva Parks Reedus. As the son of an Air Force Staff Sergeant, Tony did a lot of traveling as a child. This would figure prominently later in his life. Among the places he called home were California, Maine, Bermuda and South Dakota.

Upon his return to Memphis, Tony started drum lessons at the suggestion of his uncle, jazz pianist James Williams. One of his first instructors was James "Stix" Baker. These lessons culminated in performances at their church, Eastern Star Missionary Baptist, and with local legends like Herman Green and Carla Thomas. By the time he graduated from Fairley High School in 1977, he'd not only worked with them, but with his Uncle James and fellow Memphian, Bill Mobley. He also met another influential musician, pianist Mulgrew Miller, with whom he'd perform regularly.

Tony entered Memphis State University in 1977 and stayed until 1980, when he got his first big break by working with jazz legend, trumpeter Woody Shaw. He was joined in that band by Mulgrew, Steve Turre, and Stafford James. He stayed with Woody through 1983 and recorded two albums with him, "United" and "Master of the Art".

After leaving Shaw, Tony's musical horizon expanded to include work with: The Mercer Ellington Orchestra (with Mulgrew and Kenny Garrett), Dr. Billy Taylor, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Wingspan, Progress Report, Milt jackson, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, the Mulgrew Miller Trio, James Williams and ICU, and countless others. He also recorded four albums of his own: "The Far Side", "Incognito", "Minor Thang", and "People Get Ready".

Somehow, in the midst of all of these gigs, Tony found time to return to school to complete his degree. Completing his degree in 2005 from Rutgers - New Brunswick was one of the happiest days of his life!

Although Tony was the consummate musician and professional, he also found time for other pursuits, mainly his family and sports. Tony and his wife, Jenise Grice-Reedus, were together for eighteen years, and have a wonderful daughter, Cameron Niara Reedus. He also leaves behind his brothers, Keith D. and Christopher D., of Memphis; an aunt, Frances Mabon, Memphis; a cousin, Sidney Montgomery, Memphis; mother-in-law, Linda Grice; brothers-in-law, Idris TaaHaa and Joel Harold Grice; a sister-in-law, Jasmine E. Grice; and numerous friends and members of his jazz family.

Anthony DeWayne Reedus suddenly left us on November 16, 2008. He was a man of great pride, honor, integrity and most of all, LOVE. He will be sorely missed by all.