Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Founder Michael Warner Hart Dies

– Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival
The festival’s founder Michael Warner Hart passed away aged 84.

Michael Warner Hart OBE, founder of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 11. He was 84 years old.

Hart was also artistic director of the festival for the past 25 years. A former musician, bandleader and organizer, Hart is considered the heart of the Edinburgh traditional jazz scene from the 1950s up until a few years ago. 

“He was a man of great energy, charisma and commitment. He changed the landscape of the Edinburgh jazz scene, creating the first international jazz Festival in Scotland and sustained it through the force of his own personality and hard work through thick and thin,” the obituary on the website of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival reads.

“He created a special spirit for the Festival which followed his own passion for the music. Jazz was always a joy for him. 

“Everyone in the Festival family mourns his passing,” it continues.

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival chair, Councillor Jason Rust, said: “Mike was a legend in the jazz scene. As the Founding Director of the Festival forty years ago, we have Mike to thank for what has evolved over the decades into one of the top jazz festivals in Europe.

“He brought a massive wealth of music knowledge and wit to all his contributions to the Festival and will be mich missed. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time.”

The funeral for friends and family will be held at on Friday, December 28, at Warriston Crematorium, Lorimer Chapel, Warriston Road, Edinburgh, Scotland.