Jazz Memorial for Dave Gibson

David F. Gibson was a Philadelphia-born jazz drummer whose precise, hard-driving beat powered legacy editions of the Duke Ellington, Count Basie (under Frank Foster), and Cab Calloway orchestras, among many others.

A graduate of Temple University, Gibson became a first-call New York City drummer who toured and recorded widely; his credits include performances with Joe Williams, Clark Terry, the Sun Ra Arkestra, the Odean Pope Saxophone Choir, Diane Schuur, Woody Herman’s orchestra and more.

Beyond his work as a sought-after sideman, Gibson led his own groups and issued recordings under his own name (the Dave Gibson & Friends series and other releases), and he was also active as an educator and clinician — serving on faculty and teaching the next generation of jazz musicians.

Gibson was widely admired for his swing, drive, and musical generosity; colleagues and jazz communities across the country celebrated his skill and warmth after his sudden passing on July 30, 2025, at age 72.

The livestream of this memorial will be available here: https://youtube.com/live/3CeFnTs61Dw?feature=share

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