The world of music is mourning the untimely loss of a brilliant talent as the Songwriter, Keyboard & Producer & a key member of the Stone City Band, Billy Nunn passed away on March 10, 2024. Billy’s contributions to the musical industry, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
As we reflect on his remarkable career, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the enduring impact of his musical journey.
Billy Nunn passed away:
Billy Nunn, Songwriter, Keyboard & Producer and and the Co-Author of Several Rick James Hits, passed away after a brief illness.
This sad news was announced by Stone City Band and the statement reads,
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Billy Nunn. He fought a long and courageous battle, but unfortunately, his journey has come to an end. As we grieve his passing, we ask that you also say a prayer for his family and friends. May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time, and may Billy’s memory live on through the love and memories he shared with all of us. Rest in peace, my brother. You will be greatly missed.
Who was Billy Nunn?
Bill Nunn was a jazz, funk, classic, and blues keyboardist, and a very versatile MASTER OF THE HAMMOND B3, with Rhine McLin as host.
Nunn returned to his roots when he performed in a 2014 “B3 Summit” of organ players in Las Vegas. He was born and raised in Buffalo.
Nunn’s passion for keyboarding began in Buffalo, more precisely the summer before he entered his senior year at Hutch-Tech High School, and it has since taken him all over the world. At that point, he was introduced to the organ by a friend.
On his website, Nunn attributes his inspiration to really pursuing the Hammond B3 Organ workout “A Walk on the Wild Side” by Jimmy Smith.
Nunn’s musical journey:
Nunn was raised in the town’s Fruit Belt neighborhood, and his father founded MoDo Records and ran Jan’s Supper Club.
He quickly became proficient with the organ. Grover Washington, Elvin Shepard, and Joe “Groove” Madison were among the others who influenced him.
When Nunn was 19, a friend came to his house and told him that Johnny Lytle, a well-known jazz vibes player and drummer, was looking for an organ player. Nunn spent three years moving with Lytle.
The beginning of an arduous journey led him to Baltimore, where he supported the Softones, a soft soul group that peaked at number one on the Billboard charts in the middle of the 1970s. Nunn traveled to Japan as part of their tour and ended up jamming with the Miracles.
Then, in 1977, he tragically went back to Buffalo, New York. Nunn relocated to Los Angeles for 14 years and Las Vegas for the last 23 subsequent years. The “All Night Long” album by Splendor—produced by Earth Wind & Fire’s Phillip Bailey—was released.
Nunn started with Valerie Bertinelli in the television film “The Seduction of Gina,” and a few of his songs have been adapted for the big screen. He has performed all over the world, showing up at festivals like the annual Bern Switzerland Jazz Festival. He also performed at a weekly showcase alongside Berry Gordy’s daughter, becoming a mainstay of the Las Vegas scene.
Nunn received a lifetime achievement award from Sherry and Berry Gordy during one of the 2013 events honoring his more than four decades in the music industry.
Nunn performed with Bill Callanan, Royce Murray, and Papa John DeFrancesco, all natives of Western New York, as one of four Hammond B3 players included in “Celebration: The B3 Organ Summit” in 2014.
Billy Nunn cause of death:
Billy began his battle for survival on April 27, 2023. He went to the hospital for dialysis on that specific day. Billy suffered brain damage, blindness, and incapacity to use his hands, walk, or sit independently while in the hospital. Sadly, despite his valiant and protracted fight, his journey has come to an end.
The music world is plunged into grief and disbelief as the shocking news of Billy’s unexpected passing due to natural causes reverberates across the global stage.
His untimely departure leaves an irreplaceable void. The collective outpouring of grief serves as a testament to the enduring influence of a musician whose legacy transcends the notes he played.
Tributes to Billy Nunn:
Zelda Norwood posted,
I am in shock and my heart is broken !! My Brother, Billy Nunn has passed away. And while Billy has been ill for a while, I am still gutted that I will not see my brother again. R.I.P. Billy…
Shonta Whatley wrote,
Rip Billy Nunn thank you for all the love and support you have given me thru out these years … I will never forget when I first moved to Vegas how you an jerry took me to me out an introduced me as your family an those ppl stood in line an gave me big hugs an welcome me to Vegas …. I’m still close to a lot of those very ppl today .. your mark on the history of buffalo music an worldwide will never be forgotten …I will miss you an appreciate you for trailblazing my way here in Vegas Bev my heart goes out to you an I’m always here for you day or night …my fruitbelt forever family
FingaRache All Acces posted,
Billy Nunn You Were the Greatest Ever. Co-Written Mary Jane By Rick James.
Ron Petty wrote,
On Behalf of The Group I Want To Extend Our Sincerest Condolences and Prayers To The Family of Buffalo’s Own Billy Nunn …. Member of the Original Stone City Band, and Co- Author of Several Rick James Hits!!
Rest in Eternal Peace Our Brother, and ” God Be With You Till We Meet Again”!!
You’ll Live On In Our Hearts and Minds, Through The Music!!
Darryl Payne posted,
I have just been informed that music producer & song writer Mr. Billy Second 2 Nunn has just passed away. Billy has worked with Rick James, Teena Marie, The Softones, Bobby Nunn, Philip Bailey, and countless other artists. Our sincerest condolences go to his family, friends, and musical fans. Billy Nunn’s work shall forever remain in our hearts.
