Joel Alexander Brandon, "The Master Whistler," died on July 15 from pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
Brandon was a Chicago native who studied composition at the American Conservatory of Music. Although he sang and played the flute, Brandon's true talent was whistling.
By sucking air in through pursed lips, Brandon had a three-range octave whistle that won national and international contests. He whistled the "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the White Sox and the San Francisco Giants, and performed with several world-class orchestras. In 1997, Brandon was inducted into the Whistlers Hall of Fame. He released his debut CD, "Haven't We All...?" in 2001.
Posted on July 26, 2003 12:57 AMJoel was a lifelong friend of my godmother, Beverly Normand. I first met him this past February at my great aunt's funeral. Just as it was over,and I was becoming overwhelmed with emotion, he broke out in an inspirational song. He was sick then himself. I really appreciated him being there.
Posted by Leah on August 18, 2003 12:20 AMAs soon as I knew there was a musician whose name I shared, I became a complete admirer of Joel and his fabulous talent.
May he rest in peace and his spirit go on forever - his name and musical talent certainly do within me.
Joel Alexander Brandon, London, England.
I met Joel when I was about sixteen years old.
He often rehearsed with my brother, drummer Terry
Ross. Joel was a master at flute well before he
graduated from high school. We grew up together,
supported one another in artistic and other
endeavors, and shared spiritual, political and
artistic beliefs. Joel inspired me to continue
writing my sacred music and between performances
and travels abroad, he helped transcribe my
music and convinced me that I should have it
recorded. During the 1990's, we did some collaborative work and recorded a few of my tunes
at Soto Sounds in Chicago. Joel transcribed music
for many famous singers and worked with groups
like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Nadine McKinnor,
Donnie Hathaway, The Art Ensemble of Chicago and
others. Joel was a great jeweler and artist, too.
He was a multitalented genius who was loved and
inspired by people all over the world. He had a
close, lifelong association with AACM musicians
in Chicago and New York. When he became ill, a
committee of musicians, artists, and scholars
assisted with all of his needs. Dr. Chris Coley,
Don and Gloria Moye, Bobby Sengstacke, Vivian Davis, Bobby Washington, Evod Magek, and others
in Chicago assisted. Muhal Richard Abrams, George
Lewis and musicians from all over the United States contacted Joel. Chicago musicians gave
wonderful benefit concerts for him.
Joel enjoyed my poetry, so as soon as he became
ill, I started writing poems for him weekly.
I compiled the poems in a manuscript called
"Tasting Breath: Poems, Prayers and Potpourri
for the Whistler." I plan to have this manuscript
published in memorium.
Joel's final songs were gospel songs which he
bequeathed to me and which I must also publish.
These are the songs I reviewed for him and made
suggestions on for lyrics. Hopefully these songs
will be recorded, too. Meanwhile his spirit and
genius live on through recordings, clocks and art he produced. He lives in the hearts of all of the
artists, musicians, and students he helped.