MaxJazz Founder Rich McDonnell Dies at 68

Wherever real jazz was happening in St. Louis, there was a strong chance Richard McDonnell was there.

McDonnell, one of St. Louis’ most omnipresent jazz figures and founder of the Webster Groves-based, MAXJAZZ Records, died Saturday (Feb. 8, 2014) at St. Louis University Hospital. He was 68.

McDonnell had been attending a concert by Houston Person and the Bill Charlap Trio Friday night at Jazz at the Bistro, his third night in a row in attendance during Person’s multinight stand, when he suffered a stroke and was taken to St. Louis University Hospital.

Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch