Violinist Lee Newcomer, Owner of Chicago Store Performers Music, has Died

Performers Music is the only independently owned sheet-music store in Chicago

Lee Newcomer, a violinist and violist who ran the shop Performers Music in Chicago, has passed away at the age of 81.

Newcomer established Performers Music in 1981, in the Fine Arts building on Michigan Avenue. It has grown to be a central part of the Chicago Loop precinct, which houses interesting shops, musicians, artists, craftsmen, and a yoga studio, among others.

Newcomer's intention was for the shop to serve musicians of every level, and alongside its excellent classical sheet music collection the store also sells jazz, vocal standards, and show tunes. Newcomer especially prided himself on his ability to locate lesser-known scores if a patron was interested in them.

In addition, he was able to move with the times to secure the shop's future. In 2012, Performers Music launched its web shop, and during the pandemic, Newcomer was able to raise $40,000 in donations to keep it running.

By the time of Newcomer's death, Performers Music was the only independently-owned sheet music store in Chicago, and one of only a handful anywhere in America.

"Sad news as our longtime family friend Lee Newcomer of Performer's Music in the Fine Arts Building has passed away," wrote Bein & Company on social media. "Lee sold music to four generations of Beins, starting with my grandparents and continuing on to my children and their first Suzuki books. A true professional and an encyclopedia of musical knowledge."

"What an incredible legacy he will leave behind."

Our condolences to Mr. Newcomer's family, friends, and colleagues.