“With deep sorrow we announce the death of Tony Haynes, Grand Union’s Composer and Creative Director for over 40 years.  We feel honoured to have worked with him, and to have shared in his imagination and vision.

We are truly grateful for the huge legacy of intercultural music and songs he dedicated his working life to, and will never forget our inspirational founder and treasured friend. 

The Grand Union ‘family’ looks forward to keeping Tony’s creative flame burning as we go into the future with him watching from the wings.”

Sebastian writes: Tony was a good friend and supporter of LJN and we were pleased to mark his 80th Birthday in 2021 with a collection of Birthday Greetings from all over the world (link below).

The remarks of broadcaster Jumoke Fashola at that time ring true as we remember a great and committed musical leader who has shaped the path of music in this country:

“Way before it was trendy to embrace world music, Tony was making & creating space for artists of diverse backgrounds. Musically fearless, his contribution to the UK’s music & cultural landscape cannot be underestimated.” 

Of all the conversations and exchanges he and I had, the one that struck me the deepest was when he talked me through a formative period he had spent in Portugal, which led him to write “The Rhythm of Tides”, a major and complex work.

He has written about the subtle poetry of Manuel Alegre – and how the strength and courage of people had got to know inspired him – HERE, a post which leads the reader to three more where he talks about how his deep convictions fed into his composing. In sadness.

Messages of condolence can be sent to mail@grandunion.org.uk

Antony Paul (Tony) Haynes. Born Epsom, Surrey, 10 July 1941. Died London 17 September 2024

LINK: 80th Birthday Greetings to Tony Haynes from 2021
Rhythm of Tides on Bandcamp

The post RIP Tony Haynes (1941-2024) first appeared on UK Jazz News.