Chicago's Jazz Bassist Nick Schneider has Died, Aged 81

Schneider performed with a number of big names, including Frankie Valli and Liza Minnelli

The Chicago jazz bassist, recording artist, producer, director, educator, and musical consultant Nick Schneider has passed away at the age of 81. He performed alongside some of the twentieth century's biggest stars, including Frankie Valli and Liza Minnelli.

Born in 1943, Schneider learned a wide range of instruments in childhood, including the piano, saxophone, tuba, accordion, drums, and both electric and acoustic bass. He studied the bass with Rudy Fassbender, then a bassist in the Chicago Symphony, at the Chicago Conservatory of Music.

Following his service in Vietnam, Schneider returned to Chicago and became heavily involved in the jazz scene. He performed with artists including Earl Fatha Hines, Buddy Rich, Liza Minelli, Freddie Hubbard, Rosemary Clooney, Ira Sullivan, Frankie Valli, Johnny Frigo, Frank D’Rone, Joe Vito, Steve Allen, and The Tonight Show Band.

A member of the Bruce Oscar Trio, Schneider was also a pedagogue and was on faculty at Shell Lake Arts Center, Birch Creek Music Academy, and Oakton College. His playing is preserved on his 2008 album Pullin' Strings.

Schneider belonged to a range of professional organizations, including The International Society of Bassists, Arts Center Collective, Madison Jazz Society, The American Federation of Musicians, Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz, The Jazz Institute of Chicago, and Jazz Unites.

Schneider is survived by his children Eric and Michele, as well as his sisters Edith Michaelson, Bette Haskins, and Pearl Osinski. Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.