T. Lavitz: 1956-2010

FAMED KEYBOARDIST PASSES AWAY AT THE AGES OF 54

T. Lavitz

Keyboardist T. Lavitz died unexpectedly in his sleep on the evening of Thursday, October 7. He was 54 years old.

In 1978, Lavitz was invited to join the Dixie Dregs, where he would remain as a keyboardist until their breakup in 1983. Since then, Lavitz released 7 solo albums and worked with Widespread Panic on their 1991 self-titled album for Capricorn Records and subsequent tour.

Along with Jimmy Herring, Alphonso Johnson and Billy Cobham, Lavitz formed Jazz is Dead, a band that reworked Grateful Dead classics in an instrumental jazz format. Lavitz also worked with Endangered Species alongside Richie Hayward and Kenny Gradney.