My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I can't say I know what it's like to lose my father, because I never met him. But I was very close to my Grandfather, and when he passed and nobody told me, I was hurt to the core. There's a part of me that will never be able to forgive my "family" (and I use that term loosely now) for not even taking the time to tell me about his passing simply because I live in a different state. My Grandfather was the greatest man that ever touched my life. I owe everything to him and my Grandma. I miss him dearly, as I know you miss your dad. Just keep in mind that someday we'll all be together again. Keep your head up. He knows you love him.

Hey Adam,

I don't know you or your father but was incredibly moved by your story due to the many parallels between me and my dad - he is my best friend and was at my wedding.

I just heard the Microsoft ad and looked up your band's name which I thought was Motion Worker (of course) and really do like your music.

Anyway - keep the spirit that you obviously do have and a penny earned is a penny gained - at least for walking around money.

Respectfully - Mark

Hey Adam,

I don't know you or your father but was incredibly moved by your story due to the many parallels between me and my dad - he is my best friend and was the best man at my wedding.

I just heard the Microsoft ad and looked up your band's name which I thought was Motion Worker (of course) and really do like your music.

Anyway - keep the spirit that you obviously do have and a penny earned is a penny gained - at least for walking around money.

Respectfully - Mark

I discovered your father through the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and I discovered that music because of your father. In the liner notes to a collection of Kirk's on Atlantic, I believe your father alluded to a time when Rahsaan challenged him with the line,"Does your house have lions?," referring to concrete statues that stood in front of his house, and the line was kind of an impossible challenge to whatever someone might say to him. "Yeah, but does your house have lions?" After hearing your piece on NPR, I was moved by hearing what a great dad your father was, and through his love, is and will always be. Fatherhood truly is the greatest job there is, and he realized that fact. I have always remembered that line from Rahsaan, and you should know- your house does have lions, and you can thank your dad for that.

Hey Adam,
I have been meaning to write to you but couldn't find your email address. I am in L.A. and heard the KCRW thing too and figured it was time to write. Your father was a big influence on the way i think about music. So many of those records shaped me. I think i have told you this before but it doesn't hurt to say it again. Especially now that i am producing records. I think of his aesthetic often. I lost my Father 13 years ago and my Mother 2 years ago and know how it feels especially when you are close to them as i was.
Anyway, just a few words to say all the best to you and that he will be with you forever.

It would be great to see you and hang again sometime, it's been so long. Saw Luke and Wolf not to long ago and talked to Trevor through email recently. Haven't seen him in years.
You can always reach me through my website davidbinney.com
D

i woke up this morning to my alarm clock set on npr radio in los angeles.... and as i was phasing into consciousness i heard this voice talking about some record producer and all his great accomplishments... but also about what a great man he was... funny... kind.... caring... and i heard this person say he was the only producer who ever won two consecutive grammys for record of the year.... and i thought, that's just not true.... i thought of a friend of mine whom i used to know who made the same claim about his dad... and i thought it's simply not true.... i didnt recognize the voice on the radio but i knew it wasnt my friend, so i listened more intently 'cuz the truth is i fell out of touch with my friend and i was even thinking of reaching out to him and saying someone else was making the same claim.... anyway, i thought the things this person was saying were quite moving and touching and it actually reminded me of the same way my former friend used to speak about his father.... i had met his dad a bunch of times and he was just as cool, kind, funny, and caring.... it started to make me mad that someone else was making the same claims, but i listened and finally at the end of the program the radio host mentioned the passing of your dad, and i realized it was not the voice of my friend Dave, but of you Adam his brother..... it was as if i was struck by lightning.... all i can say is that your dad was indeed a wonderful and amazingly witty, talented man who truly loved music, was forever an optimist, and most importantly he loved his children more than anything.... whenever he would stop over to Dave's apartment in LA his first concern was "how are you doing" and of course Dave would say he was fine, but your dad would always ask again, just to make sure that Dave was indeed fine and if there was anything your dad could do.... i was struck by his genuine warmth and concern... and his humor was really really funny too !!! i am saddened by his passing and will keep him and you & your family in my prayers.... pls wish your bro Dave well and i hope there is peace in your hearts at this time.... kindest regards, thomas

adam, i heard you on weekend edition this morning and i felt compelled to look you up. before this morning i had never heard of you or your father. i never know what new and exciting item i'll learn of next on npr. today it was the love that you and your father shared that got my attention! you must know how lucky your are to have had him in your life... the love in your voice was unmistakably genuine! anyway, i just wanted to say that that i enjoyed it and it moved me. i just found this website and went straight to the comments! so now i'll peruse it further and check out the tunes! continued success my friend...

trey walker
prattville,al.

I just heard your eulogy of your Dad on Weekend Edition, and the news stunned me. I was a kid in the Philly suburbs just learning about jazz when he was a DJ on WHAT-FM. Every time I hear "Hard Times" (not enough -- what an incredible recording) I think of him. He gave us all a great gift, and to learn what a fine father he was is yet another one.

John in Evanston, IL

Hey Adam,

I am sitting here on Sunday morning with tears rolling down my cheeks after listenting to your stunning remembrance of your father on Weekend Edition. I grew up in Philadelphia right around when your father was signing his Atlantic artists and having an influence on my life, too. The combination of the tunes and your words was so rich in time and space and emotion. Your father left you a great gift. Your glass is half full. No, it's overflowing!

Suzanne
http://www.suzannemcdermott.com

Adam,

I was completely floored and depressed to hear about Joel last Tuesday. It made me about as sad as I've ever felt, and the only thing to do was put on my ipod and listen to Rahsaan's Bright Moments a little too loud.

I consider myself very fortunate to have intercepted some of the crank calls your dad would be making to my dad all throughout my childhood. As the little boy trained to answer the phone, I was subjected to an infinitely diverse cast of incomprehensible characters and put-ons. But then he would drop the act and converse with me as an old friend--never a hint of a put-on once he got real.

A few years ago I got to spend some time with him at the 32 Jazz offices. I'll never forget his office: no desk, no computer, just a couple of chairs, a phone, and piles and piles of cds, papers, books. The most casual office I've ever seen--but not because it was messy (which it was). It was casual because sitting there with him there was nothing between you--no desk, no pretense, no nothing.

He left us too soon, but he also left so much behind--he'll never really leave us. His wit, his wonderful deep vocal tone (my personal nomination for 'best radio voice ever'), and his warmth stay with me. And of course his impact on the music is everlasting and unmistakably Joel. All I have to do is sit back with "The Case of the 3-sided Dream" or "The Doctor is In... And Out!" and hear his personality meshing perfectly with Rahsaan or Yusef to create such odd beautiful classic jazz funkiness.

I still remember him telling me the story about the fourth side of "3-Sided Dream" vinyl which is mostly blank. "The accountants went nuts!" Pure Joel. Artistry and Marx Brothers-style mischief in perfect harmony. I've tried to help carry the torch for Rah for years--ever since my dad gave me "Does Your House have Lions" to play on my radio show in college. I'll continue to carry it high--and knowing for sure that's what Joel would have wanted.

My father told me that he felt Joel and I had a "mutual admiration society". It's a big complement, it's the highest society in my book, and it lives on in me. It happened to be my dad's birthday Last tuesday, and we raised a glass to Joel over dinner, where mom, dad, and I made three, sitting at a table for four. Joel was sitting in for Elijah in the fourth chair as far as I'm concerned.

All my love, and deepest most hearfelt condolences to you and your family.

Fitz Gitler

Adam:

I was shocked and saddened when I learned the news of your father's death. Although I knew him only slightly a long time ago, I've retained some nice memories.

I initially got to "know" him by calling in to WHAT-FM while he was doing his broadcasts. Call-ins to the DJs were encouraged if listeners had questions or comments about the music, performers, or anything else relevant on a given day.

Rick Friedman (dubbed "Strings" by Joel), with whom I was in college in the Sixties, worked at the station. On an occasional Friday night, my brother and I and another friend visited the two of them while your dad was on the air. We'd hang out in the studio and chat while the music played, and the conversations were usually hilarious. Joel and Rick also became known for some of their comical on-air exchanges.

Once your dad asked my opinion about a cut from an album he'd just produced for Atlantic, having recently begun his career as a record producer. It may have been by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, but I'm not sure. In any case, before playing it he said he wanted my honest feedback, adding, "I have no ego about this." (Whatever the cut was, I liked it and told him so.)

I don't know who among you and your brothers is the oldest, but one night after the program Joel invited us back to his house--which wasn't far from the station--to see his son who'd recently been born. It was late and the baby was asleep, but we were allowed a peek into his crib.

Your parents also had a Yorkshire terrier at the time, about which your mom told us, "Joel wanted to name the dog Hooker, but I said no. If it got out, I wasn't going to yell 'Here, Hooker!' all over the neighborhood."

Joel and I both loved trivia. An hour or two after the Adam West "Batman" series debuted on TV to great fanfare, your dad was on the air. Jerry Blavat meandered in to the FM studio from the AM side, as he was occasionally wont to do. He and Joel often got into hysterically funny on-air conversations, not a few of which were a little risque for that era of radio. On this particular evening, right after the show began, their conversation naturally turned to Batman. Blavat asked, "Wasn't there a Batwoman in the comics?" Joel said, "I don't know, but my man will call and tell us while I play some music."

"My man" was yours truly. After the music began, I dialed the studio, Joel answered, and I said, "It's me, answering your Bat-signal. Yes, there was a Batwoman and her name was Kathy Kane."

"Thanks! Call me after eleven."

Once we were talking about B-westerns. Joel said he always loved the Hopalong Cassidy films, and claimed his favorite line came from Andy Clyde, who played Hoppy's sidekick. The line was, "It's fool's gold, Hoppy!" I subsequently mentioned this to another friend, and it became a lifelong running joke between us. Whenever one of us said the line, I thought immediately of your dad.

He loved Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories.

I remember his Rondo H. Slade Masked Announcer commercials and regret that home VCRs didn't exist at the time they were aired. They were insanely funny and worthy of taping as keepers.

Once, during some sort of crisis in Philadelphia, the exact nature of which I don't recall, Joel was on the air for something like 13 hours. He was exhausted, but you'd never have known it by the way he sounded. He was the consummate pro.

Joel introduced me as a jazz-lover to many of the performers and tunes I still revere and listen to today. Many of the LPs in my collection wouldn't be there if I hadn't heard them first on his broadcasts. Many he produced himself.

He will be sorely missed--as a man, as the best jazz DJ Philly ever had, and a record producer.

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Hey Adam,

I remember when you and I first met, you told me you lived with your dad, in a studio apt, and given that we were in our 20's at that time, I naively tried to picture living with my own dad in a studio. Joel was not your average ordinary dad, and when I finally got to meet him, I understood instantly. He was more like the 4th brother in your family, and man did I never know what he was going to say. One of the earliest memories, aside from his contribution to our 1994 NHL Stanley Cup viewing experience, was of our trip to see Leon Parker at the Iridium. It was just a bunch of guys hanging out, and I remember being struck by the fact that this was "a friend's dad" who you could literally say anything to, where the whole I'm older than you and you are a kid thing just didn't come into play at all. It was also great, in later years, to see him take to digital photography so readily. He always had the camera on him, and I can still hear him telling me how fun it was, to take an unlimited amount of pix without worrying about the cost.

So, Joel, it was a tremendous honour knowing you and I'm gonna start taking some more pictures.

Love,

"Chinese Gerald" (his nickname for me)

Hello Adam... Dan Nash here. I'm sure we've spoken a few times and there's a reasonably good chance that we met somewhere... I was an engineer at Atlantic Studios and a dork at Regent. I worked on many projects with your Dad and have spoken to him from time to time for the past 20+ years. In fact, I tried to hire him for something a couple of months ago, but instead of getting back to me, he left me a voicemail about midget fishermen getting lost on the beach off the coast of Staten Island.

Anyway... in the conversation that preceded the voicemail, I recalled for him (for some lost reason that I simply cannot fathom)one of the funniest spontaneous remarks I recall coming out of that marvelous brain of his. He didn't totally remember the incident, which made the recollection even funnier, because he was cracking up during the telling. Here it is:

I think it was in late 1983. It was during one of the slowdowns in the record industry... nothing like what we're going through now, but for what it was, its effects were felt industry-wide. And as a result, there were noticeably less records in production during that period.

Anyway... we were doing an Atlantic project for a singer songwriter team called Blatte & Gottlieb (sounds like a couple of Jewish accountants from Flatbush... right?). Anyway, since your dad and the late Eddie Germano were old pals and Atlantic Studios was all booked up, we were parked at The Hit Factory. These were the days of 2" tape, and your dad, being a stickler for getting the "feel" of a performance, had no patience to wait for a reel change if the *cats* were hot. But since the *cats* were top studio players, they usually stopped between takes to talk about the last take, and some of the other important things in their lives, like their favorite brand of strawberry ice-cream and the latest air-filled running shoes.

So... when a take ended in this way, your dad would yell out "CHANGE REELS!", in that Zeus-like bellow of his. Needless to say, before very long (like 2 weeks), though we had very few master takes, we had used at least some of over 100 2" tapes... and soon thereafter, I got a call from Atlantic indicating that the Blatte & Gottlieb session was on hold until further notice.

Christmas came and New Years... and no word from anyone on the session... not Joel or Gene or Blatte or Gottlieb.

Then one day, I banged into your dad in the hallway at Atlantic Studios, where we leaned himself against the wall right next to the Gold Record of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and said that a few days before Christmas, then label president Doug Morris had summoned him into the presidential suite and, referring to the abundance of tape costs on the Blatte & Gottlieb sessions, said: "Joel... how can you do this to me? Don't you know what state the record business is in?"

"And I turned to him and said, "Sure... it's usually in California but sometimes it's in New York!"

Then your dad looked at me with one of his famous bozo the clown-ish rolling-eyes faces and walked down the hall saying, "And that was the end of that record..!"

________

I will never forget your father and am honored to have known him, learned from him, laughed till I almost puked for months on end with him, and watched him walk proudly through this upside-down planet finding beautiful people with nothing but heart and soul and vision to share.

Lovingly,

Dan Nash

Adam, Joel is the Man! He brought the world so much Music, so much Soul, and to many, laughter and joy. AND, not to mention he helped bring in ADAM, Mr. MoWo. I thank him especially for that. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, you Funky M.F.! So, I'm gonna celebrate Him along with you in the funk on our next hit MoWo style (YEAAH, ISS ON!). May He rest in Peace, and you and your family be comforted.
MiWi

Adam,

The news of your Father's passing was such a complete shock. It literally took the wind out of me and I can't begin to tell you how sad and disoriented I feel since learning of this. He was a friend of generous and genuine proportions I didn't really understand until I read your words. It's a little hard to go into in this forum but hopefully I'll have a chance to speak some other time.

In short, the man I knew loved the creative process, loved music and loved talent and discovering and nurturing it. And you are so right about the humor.. so on an uplifting note, let me share a short story... Joel, Llynda and I were having a bite at the Apple Jack on 55th and Broadway one afternoon. Your Dad decides he wants a milkshake so the waiter comes over and Joel states his desire and asks what flavors they had. The very Greek waiter replies, "we have whatever flavor you want", and in less than an instant Joel chimes, "oh, well I'll have the Chicken Mint!". You had to see his face and the reaction of the waiter. I had a sore stomach that evening from the laughter and I laugh out loud to this day when it pops into my head. It's just one of many incredible memories I have of those days and this very special man. He will be terribly missed.

If we are fortunate enough to live on through our spirit, the memories, influence and deeds we leave behind, your Father's legacy is a great one.

To David, Michael and Adam.. please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Sincerely,
Mark Gendel

Adam-
You don't know me. Neither do your two brothers. Joel was my first cousin -- his dad Abe was my mother Mickey's brother. Unfortunately, we did not have a close family in recent years, but I have the fondest memories of cousin Joel. First of all, he was very close to my dad, who was the funniest man I knew. He was a mentor to Joel and together they would pull all sorts of shtick at family gatherings at our grandmother's (who was highly neurotic, but that's a story for a different time). At our Passover seder, I would always try to sit near Joel, who was ten years older than I. He was irreverent, witty and the most fun person to be around. On Sunday afternoons, we would sometimes watch on TV "Ted Mack and the Amateur Hour" - not because we liked the show, but because Joel would make fun of every contestant. It was hilarious. I am sorry that I have not been in closer touch with Joel in my adult years, but his charm, his humor and wit have stayed with me.
Judy Ron from Philadelphia

...and with a heart heavier than I’ve ever felt, I write to tell you how devastated I am to hear the news of your wonderful father and my precious friend and confidant of 22 years, Joel Dorn, passing away. I simply cannot believe it. I just spoke with him two weeks ago and he was in the best of spirits. He had kept me updated these past several months regarding his prostate treatments and I was excited he was on the mend. Waking up to hear he had passed of a heart attack was the last thing I would have ever expected to hear.

My thoughts are so very strongly with you, Adam, and your brothers, David and Michael. I send all three of you my most sincere condolences. One thing I want you to know is that there was never a time I spoke with Joel when he didn’t tell me how proud he was of you guys and how much he loved you. God, did he love his sons. Many times he told me I was the daughter he never had, so I feel a kindred spiritual connection with the Dorn brothers at this very difficult time.

With great sadness, yet comforting strength, I send you my love and support…
Llynda More (Adam, please call me whenever it’s convenient for you…702-617-1991)

Adam, sorry for your loss. Your dad was easily one of the most soulful cats I'd ever met and the world is smaller now.
Condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Darryl Rhoades
Atlanta, Ga.

It was such a random thing that I was digging through some albums I haven't heard in ages and I came across Mixed Emotional Features. My eyes lit up. I threw it on and thought I'd swing by the website to see what's happened (what I've missed) in the last few years and I was greeted by your news. I'm typing this with tears in my eyes. I've been through something similar and it rocked me to my foundation. I'm still putting the pieces back together after years. It doesn't look the same but it will be stronger this time. It will show the influence of the ones I've lost and be built back up, better than ever, with my spirit, to carry them on. To bigger, better, more beautiful things to come. Family. Music.

I wish peace for you and yours this holiday season.

Know that you have support from places you'd never imagine.

unknown friend, JamesLKieb.

I nearly drove off the road this morning when I heard about Joel...I'm so sorry for you guys 'cuz I know how close you were to your dad. Prolly my best memory from Jenn and Dave's wedding was when Joel grabbed me on the dance floor and started swinging me around like a rag doll until we both fell over. He was a Hell of a guy.

Brad.

Adam, So sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for the eloquent piece on your father. He obviously loved you and the music. His origins are like my own; having music be a sustaining element in my life. I, too wanted to do radio and share with others what brings constant joy, the music. I will be doing a tribute on my music program next Wed. (Dec 26th) on wdiy.org on my program 'The Blend'. Thanks again and God Bless.

Keith Kelleher

I was taken aback this morning to hear from Lang about the passing of your father. My greatest condolences go out to you and your family. During the opportunities I’ve had to watch a football game with you and you dad or to see him snapping photos of you at one of your shows, it’s has been easy to see what a tremendous relationship you had- an equally proud pop and son! Simply put, your dad was a great guy. His stories about his work made me laugh out loud! I mourn for your loss with the appreciation that all his best traits can be found with you. Sincerely, Josh

Adam, thanks for posting this fine portrait of a man I genuinely considered to be a friend (we worked on several Q Records releases together from 1998-2001, and then he kept bugging me to get him a radio show on Sirius when I went to work there from 2001-2007). I know he was very proud of you & your work. He righteously complained about how he wanted to do a radio show that would feature a mix of music styles/ genres, but that programmers were interested in narrowly-defined formats. And those pipes! He had the greatest voice ever. Only wish I'd been in Philly when he was on the air then. Still can't believe this sad news, but my thoughts & sympathies are with you & your brothers & families.

Sincerely,
Elise Brown

Hi Adam,
So very sorry to hear about your loss... Keep your chin up though... the days will brighten. Remember there is a balance to every light and dark, every mountain and valley... things like this happen to make us stronger. Keep on keepin' on.

Take care of yourself.

-Ali

The world was a better place because Joel dorn was in it. No doubt it sucks that he isnt here anymore. But lets not view this as a bummer, better yet, let us all celebrate his departure into the light, and be dammed thankful that he left behind a great legacy of incredible music he produced. And adam, we can all be glad that in you, his spirit and cool music is now modified and is playing on. As a fellow musician, just know that the best thing we can to pay tribute to Joel, is whistle at the most awkward times, and drive around listening to the records he produced, and for my two cents worth adam, the electricty that flows in you now, is pure Joel. Keep up the good work. Your so fortunate you had him for all of these years.

Sincerely,
J. Dennis Hicklin
Seattle Washington

I heard the news yesterday and thought of you. I'm just another musician and a big fan of yours and we've never met, but I felt that I had to stop by here and say something. Sorry - be well.

- mike -
Catalyst Blue

i am sorry adam. not sure what to write... my condolences

marcos

(yes this is the same writer). Just remembered, you're Jewish. Yeah, so what? Jesus was too...And He died to save everyone, Jews included (check out some of the old testament teachings on the temple sacrifice-Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, ending the need for any other sacrifice. End of story). Oh, yeah, the ENTIRE New Testament was also written by...Jews. God Bless you and Keep You, my friend (I am not ready to identify myself, not because I am afraid my words are too provocative, but because I am afraid you might discount my words due to a certain "-ism" that is occasionally applied to me (probably not what you think)! I want you to have as few pre-conceived notions of who I am as possible. That's all I'm going to say for now.

Signed,
Someone who feels your pain. Trust me.

So sorry to hear of the death of a loved one, particularly when they clearly were still such a vibrant, vital part of your life. What a blessing you had in your clearly close relationship and what a full and interesting life he apparently led!

God Blessed you with this close and life enriching relationship, not everyone has that. You may even have a chance to be reunited with him depending upon his spiritual condition and what you choose to do with the offer of Eternal Life that God has extended to you in sending His son, Jesus Christ.

If your Father could speak to you now from beyond the grave, be sure that he would concur with the above words. For God SO LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son that all who would believe in Him would not perish but would have everlasting life. John 3:16. May you draw comfort in this superhuman, supernatural love now and always.

Respectfully,
someone who likes your muse-ic.

i know this is a highly informal way to send my best and warmest regards, but i truly hope that you can remain positive about the memories you shared with your father. he was obviously a large influence in your personal life, as well as your professional life. if all your brothers aren't in town yet, i hope they make a safe journey to be back in NYC with you and the ones closest to you all. only the best...tim.