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Ian Finkel

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Ian Lawrence Finkel
Ian Finkel playing the xylophone
Background information
Born(1948-08-13)August 13, 1948
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedNovember 16, 2020(2020-11-16) (aged 72)
New York City, U.S.
InstrumentXylophone
SpouseCheryl Ann Allen

Ian Lawrence Finkel (August 13, 1948 – November 16, 2020) was an American musician specializing in the xylophone, author, and entertainer.[1][2]

Early life and education

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Finkel was the son of Fyvush Finkel, and Gertrude (Lieberman) Finkel. His brother, Elliot Finkel, is also a known entertainer. The brothers performed as the comedic-duet the Finkel Boys.[3][4]

Finkel attended Mannes School of Music at the New School and was a student of Walter Rosenberger.[1] He also studied under Norman Grossman.[5]

Career

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Finkel was known as one of the world’s greatest xylophone virtuosos.[6] He was the musical director for Michael Feinstein. He also worked for Sid Caesar, Tito Puente, and Ginger Roberts.[7] He played with the New York Philharmonic and played with orchestras that accompanied Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.[8] He had concert tours in Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, England, and America.[9]

He was the editor of Solos for the Vibraphone Player and the writer of plays and musicals including Sophie Tucker in Person.[10] His books include Three is The Charm, Sex Stories My Wife Told Me, and Transmutation Blues and Vaudeville 1922, and numerous short stories.[11] In 2009, he authored the humorous book, You're Not Suppose to Be Here.[12]

Personal life

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Finkel was married to Cheryl Ann Allen. The couple had two children.

He died of complications of COVID-19 in Manhattan, on November 16, 2020, aged 72, after battling the virus since March while hospitalized for a stroke.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Kilgannon, Corey (2020-11-25). "Ian Finkel, 'World's Greatest Xylophonist,' Dies at 72". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  2. ^ Hughes, Allen (7 January 1973). "IAN FINKEL RAISES XYLOPHONE'S STATUS (Published 1973)". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Ian Finkel Has Died". Theater Pizzazz. 2020-11-17. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  4. ^ "The Finkel Brothers – A Valentine To The Great American Songbook". www.wbgo.org. Retrieved 2020-12-10.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Barnhart, Stephen L.; Gillespie, John (2000). Percussionists: A Biographical Dictionary. Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0-313-29627-7.
  6. ^ "Ian Finkel Theatre Credits, News, Bio and Photos". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  7. ^ "Ian Finkel – Jazz Arts Group of Columbus". Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  8. ^ "A tribute to Ian Finkel, the world's greatest xylophonist". Local 802 AFM. 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  9. ^ "The Soul of the American Actor". www.soulamericanactor.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  10. ^ "Finkel-Art of the Xylophone Grand School Book 2". Steve Weiss Music. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  11. ^ "Celebrated Entertainer Ian Finkel partners with More4Many Books – JT-PR". Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  12. ^ Finkel, Ian (2009). You're Not Suppose to Be Here. Bear Manor Media. ISBN 9781593935139. Retrieved 30 January 2022.