Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA Jazz Orchestra present The Stanley Kay Series. Three of DIVA's most popular arrangements, composed by Stanley Kay, are now available for the first time. Visit The Stanley Kay Series page for samples and ordering.
The Stanley Kay Scholarship will be awarded to assist young big band drummers pursuing careers in jazz. Please visit the scholarship page for information about donations and eligibility.
View an interview with Stanley at www.vicfirth.com
Read a beautiful essay about Stanley, written by Eric Ashby, son of the Executive Producer of MCG Jazz, a program of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh.
Stanley Kay 1924-2010
Stanley Martin "Kay" Kaufman, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on June 21st, 2010. In his 70+ year career, Stanley enjoyed successes as a drummer, percussionist, artist manager, creative director, conductor, arranger and composer. After serving in the Marine Corps during World War II, Stanley rose to musical prominence in the mid-1940s as the back-up drummer and manager for the Buddy Rich Band. He was also drummer for such headline acts as Josephine Baker, Patty Paige and Frankie Lane. He was a creator, manager and conductor for the world-renowned "Hines, Hines & Dad," continuing to manage Maurice Hines as well as such stars as Michelle Lee and Paul Burke. In the decades following, Stanley became Entertainment Director of the New York Yankees, a position he served proudly throughout his life. In 1992 Stanley founded and was the creative force behind Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, a band that will carry on his extraordinary musical legacy. Stanley is survived by his sister, Sybil Goday, niece Mace Goday, grand-niece Sybil Happy Goday, as well as the thousands of lives he touched with his extraordinary generosity, kindness, understanding and compassion.
If you have a favorite memory of Stanley, you are invited to share it on the guest book.