Comments for Our Tribute to Dini Clarke http://dibomusic.com/tribute Please share your memories and feelings here. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:36:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Welcome by MIchaEL Boyd http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-12550 MIchaEL Boyd Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:36:25 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-12550 Greetings, I have been most blessed and fortunate to have both met and worked with a lot of greats in the music and film business during my time, when I was living in Los Angeles.. I met Dini when I attended LACC as a young, greenhorn singer with stars in his eyes. I was very fortuneate to have been a student in his Commercial Voice class from level 1-3. I also had as my clasmmate at the time the woman who came to be known as Dianne Reeves. Dini was great@ He helped me to really polish my voice and taught me how to dissect a song. He was always smiling and very kind with words of encouragement to me. I recall that one time when I was very ill, but I had to perform in the annual LACC Concert Series. I did not think that I could make it ..But he came to my home, and visited with me and my wife at the time..And he ate a meal with us that I cooked and I felt better. The next day, I went on the stage and was a hit! I was also fortuante to have taken private vocal coach lessons with him also. May he rest in Peace! Greetings,
I have been most blessed and fortunate to have both met and worked with a lot of greats in the music and film business during my time, when I was living in Los Angeles..
I met Dini when I attended LACC as a young, greenhorn singer with stars in his eyes. I was very fortuneate to have been a student in his Commercial Voice class from level 1-3. I also had as my clasmmate at the time the woman who came to be known as Dianne Reeves.
Dini was great@ He helped me to really polish my voice and taught me how to dissect a song. He was always smiling and very kind with words of encouragement to me.
I recall that one time when I was very ill, but I had to perform in the annual LACC Concert Series. I did not think that I could make it ..But he came to my home, and visited with me and my wife at the time..And he ate a meal with us that I cooked and I felt better. The next day, I went on the stage and was a hit!
I was also fortuante to have taken private vocal coach lessons with him also.
May he rest in Peace!

]]> Comment on Welcome by Eric Cajiuat http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-12004 Eric Cajiuat Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:14:29 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-12004 Hi guys – just visiting this page again because Dini was on my mind today. I do have a request though – I used to have his CD of Duke Ellington songs, but I lost it when someone broke into my car and stole my entire CD collection. Does anyone know where I can buy another copy? Ultimately, it’s all I’ll have left of Dini and I’d really like to hear his voice again. Please email me at jedibaritone AT gmail-dot-com. Thanks. Hi guys – just visiting this page again because Dini was on my mind today. I do have a request though – I used to have his CD of Duke Ellington songs, but I lost it when someone broke into my car and stole my entire CD collection. Does anyone know where I can buy another copy? Ultimately, it’s all I’ll have left of Dini and I’d really like to hear his voice again.

Please email me at jedibaritone AT gmail-dot-com. Thanks.

]]> Comment on Welcome by David Walrath http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-9379 David Walrath Sun, 02 Oct 2011 03:09:48 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-9379 I've tried three times to write something worth putting on here, but it seems that everything I could write would pale in comparison to Dini and all of our thoughts about him. I just learned of his passing, so I'm not ready yet to call them memories. I knew Dini for only a matter of months when I was in college twenty years ago, yet he still figures into a lot of my stories from that period of my life. Every time I open my mouth to sing, I still hear him coaching me. I'm going to go now, and listen to some music and think about him. And yes, I'll probably cry, too, but it will be broken up by smiles and laughter. I’ve tried three times to write something worth putting on here, but it seems that everything I could write would pale in comparison to Dini and all of our thoughts about him. I just learned of his passing, so I’m not ready yet to call them memories. I knew Dini for only a matter of months when I was in college twenty years ago, yet he still figures into a lot of my stories from that period of my life. Every time I open my mouth to sing, I still hear him coaching me. I’m going to go now, and listen to some music and think about him. And yes, I’ll probably cry, too, but it will be broken up by smiles and laughter.

]]> Comment on Welcome by Robert Haimer http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-9118 Robert Haimer Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:42:35 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-9118 Wow! I didn't know till just now that Dini left us. And he left us with a lot of love and songs in our heart! I go back to about 1972 with Dini. I had private voice lessons at his house, along with several of my friends. I went to him for about 4 years. I will always have the "warm up exercises" we did, burned into my head! I use them to this day.Then Dini and I would spend some time with me singing him my latest songs that I'd written, and he'd critique them and generally be positive about what I would present him. I remember one day I found out Dini was in his 50's, and it blew me away! He was so young and spry and I thought him about 25 years old. Great times. Dini helped me immensely. After my 4 years with him weekly, I "all of a sudden" began to sing well... I know who I always owed that to---- Wow! I didn’t know till just now that Dini left us. And he left us with a lot of love and songs in our heart! I go back to about 1972 with Dini. I had private voice lessons at his house, along with several of my friends. I went to him for about 4 years. I will always have the “warm up exercises” we did, burned into my head! I use them to this day.Then Dini and I would spend some time with me singing him my latest songs that I’d written, and he’d critique them and generally be positive about what I would present him. I remember one day I found out Dini was in his 50′s, and it blew me away! He was so young and spry and I thought him about 25 years old. Great times. Dini helped me immensely. After my 4 years with him weekly, I “all of a sudden” began to sing well… I know who I always owed that to—-

]]> Comment on Welcome by Nina Harris http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-6064 Nina Harris Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:33:19 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-6064 I met Dini when I started attending the jazz vocal workshop at World Stage in Leimert Park. He was a revelation! His ease with teaching, his understanding of interpretation was nothing I'd ever experienced to that degree before. I feel like he opened musical doors within me and I'll never forget that. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family. His presence here on earth is sorely missed, but I'm sure he's off doing good work, performing in the beyond. I met Dini when I started attending the jazz vocal workshop at World Stage in Leimert Park. He was a revelation! His ease with teaching, his understanding of interpretation was nothing I’d ever experienced to that degree before. I feel like he opened musical doors within me and I’ll never forget that. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family. His presence here on earth is sorely missed, but I’m sure he’s off doing good work, performing in the beyond.

]]> Comment on Welcome by Steven Peters http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-2572 Steven Peters Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:02:42 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-2572 Please allow me to give my most heartfelt condolences to Dini's family. I was Dini's God son. I was shocked to hear about his passing, but want to say it was an immense joy knowing Dini and singing with him in California at the Grand Hotel for many months. Dini was instrumental in giving me a platform to sing there, which was my very first time singing in public. It was great! We use to have brunch together after the show, and he'd give me tips about singing and life, and was just a generous soul. Dini knew my father, Jerry Peters, and both were friends for over 30 years. Dini was indeed not only a gifted artist, but as kind hearted as he was talented. It saddens me to think Dini is not with us here, but no doubt he's up there with his peers having a blast. Miss and love you always Dini....God bless you my Godfather, my friend! Please allow me to give my most heartfelt condolences to Dini’s family.

I was Dini’s God son.

I was shocked to hear about his passing, but want to say it was an immense joy knowing Dini and singing with him in California at the Grand Hotel for many months. Dini was instrumental in giving me a platform to sing there, which was my very first time singing in public. It was great! We use to have brunch together after the show, and he’d give me tips about singing and life, and was just a generous soul.

Dini knew my father, Jerry Peters, and both were friends for over 30 years. Dini was indeed not only a gifted artist, but as kind hearted as he was talented.

It saddens me to think Dini is not with us here, but no doubt he’s up there with his peers having a blast.

Miss and love you always Dini….God bless you my Godfather, my friend!

]]> Comment on Welcome by Mary Courtney http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-1275 Mary Courtney Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:35:28 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-1275 Still tipping my hat to Dini who taught us how to really listen to the great vocalists, how to put our souls into our vowels and consonants, and how to tell a story through song. Thank you, Dini, for your generous heart, your tough lessons, and your weaving of Community. Still tipping my hat to Dini who taught us how to really listen to the great vocalists, how to put our souls into our vowels and consonants, and how to tell a story through song. Thank you, Dini, for your generous heart, your tough lessons, and your weaving of Community.

]]> Comment on Welcome by Toni (Billups-Randall) Manieson http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-537 Toni (Billups-Randall) Manieson Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:05:56 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-537 For all we know we may never meet again. Before you go make this moment sweet again. We won't say goodnight until the last minute, I'll hold out my hand and my heart will be in it. For all we know this may only be a dream. We come and go like a ripple on a stream. So love me tonight; tomorrow was made for some. Tomorrow may never come, for all we know. -Music & Words by J. Fred Coots/Sam M. Lewis. I've always been blessed. And I have been richly blessed to have Dini as a tremendous part of my life. Like so many others he encourgaged me in ways that would take me hours to explain. With his positive spirit which he passed on too me, I am all the way in Ghana, West Africa! His wonderful Inspiration encouraged me to believe in myself no matter what and step out on faith always. I've had the opportunity to not only sing from Asia to America to Africa but to open my own Sheet Music Store in Atlanta (I couldn't find Jazz Charts, so I did something about it) years ago. And 13 years ago I moved to Ghana, resumed my Jazz music career and eventually open a Jazz Club which I had for seven years. I am now getting ready to open a Voice and Piano Improvisation studio. I'm able to pass on all that I learned from Dini. Dini has been my everything. My Teacher, Confidante, Daddy, Friend, Counselor and Mentor. Thanks to one of his former students who visited Ghana and happened to come to Jazz Tone Ghana. We talked and I found out she was from Los Angeles. Turned out she was in classes in Leimert Park. Wow, Life is something! We were back in touch. I even see him wearing one of those African shirts I sent in one of the pictures. I will never ever forget you and I'm so happy that God blessed me and made you apart of my Life. I know we will meet again. The Angels are enjoying your playing, singing, & happy smile. I LOVE YOU and For All We Know... Your daughter all the way in Ghana, Toni P.S. Your friends & family from all around the world did well. I've got all the beautiful things that were happening for YOU; pictures, booklets and all. For all we know we may never meet again. Before you go make this moment sweet again. We won’t say goodnight until the last minute, I’ll hold out my hand and my heart will be in it. For all we know this may only be a dream. We come and go like a ripple on a stream. So love me tonight; tomorrow was made for some. Tomorrow may never come, for all we know.
-Music & Words by J. Fred Coots/Sam M. Lewis.
I’ve always been blessed. And I have been richly blessed to have Dini as a tremendous part of my life. Like so many others he encourgaged me in ways that would take me hours to explain. With his positive spirit which he passed on too me, I am all the way in Ghana, West Africa! His wonderful Inspiration encouraged me to believe in myself no matter what and step out on faith always. I’ve had the opportunity to not only sing from Asia to America to Africa but to open my own Sheet Music Store in Atlanta (I couldn’t find Jazz Charts, so I did something about it) years ago. And 13 years ago I moved to Ghana, resumed my Jazz music career and eventually open a Jazz Club which I had for seven years. I am now getting ready to open a Voice and Piano Improvisation studio. I’m able to pass on all that I learned from Dini. Dini has been my everything. My Teacher, Confidante, Daddy, Friend, Counselor and Mentor.
Thanks to one of his former students who visited Ghana and happened to come to Jazz Tone Ghana. We talked and I found out she was from Los Angeles. Turned out she was in classes in Leimert Park. Wow, Life is something! We were back in touch. I even see him wearing one of those African shirts I sent in one of the pictures. I will never ever forget you and I’m so happy that God blessed me and made you apart of my Life. I know we will meet again. The Angels are enjoying your playing, singing, & happy smile. I LOVE YOU and For All We Know… Your daughter all the way in Ghana, Toni P.S. Your friends & family from all around the world did well. I’ve got all the beautiful things that were happening for YOU; pictures, booklets and all.

]]> Comment on Welcome by Dena Michals http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-372 Dena Michals Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:24:59 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-372 I sat in several of Dini Clarke's workshops at the World Stage in Leimert Park and I learned so much. He gave me the confidence to sing standards like "The Lady is A Tramp" and "I'm A Fool To Love You" one of his favorite Billie Holiday tunes. I appreciate the way he taught me to approach the mic and the audience and how to buy into a song in order to deliver it with conviction. Unfortunately my time with Dini was all to brief and I've missed out on having a great musician and artist developer in my life...but the time he did share made a great difference in my life. I miss you Dini Clarke.... Bless the memory of you! Dena Michals I sat in several of Dini Clarke’s workshops at the World Stage in Leimert Park and I learned so much.

He gave me the confidence to sing standards like “The Lady is A Tramp” and “I’m A Fool To Love You” one of his favorite Billie Holiday tunes.

I appreciate the way he taught me to approach the mic and the audience and how to buy into a song in order to deliver it with conviction.

Unfortunately my time with Dini was all to brief and I’ve missed out on having a great musician and artist developer in my life…but the time he did share made a great difference in my life.

I miss you Dini Clarke…. Bless the memory of you!

Dena Michals

]]> Comment on Welcome by Eric Cajiuat http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9&cpage=1#comment-151 Eric Cajiuat Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:14:32 +0000 http://dibomusic.com/tribute/?p=9#comment-151 Oh my. Dini and I were close friends back in my college days and he became the man whom I most considered a mentor, but I was (and am) more proud to call him a friend. I hadn't spoken to him in a while and decided tonight to see what I could find of him on the web, and sadly have just discovered that he has moved on. Dini - if they have Internet up in heaven, please know that you were one of the brightest spots and fondest memories of college I have ever had and I now regret deeply that we fell out of touch. Save me a spot in the heavenly choir and I'll join you up there someday and we can sing together again. Thanks for nurturing the artist within me. Oh my. Dini and I were close friends back in my college days and he became the man whom I most considered a mentor, but I was (and am) more proud to call him a friend. I hadn’t spoken to him in a while and decided tonight to see what I could find of him on the web, and sadly have just discovered that he has moved on.

Dini – if they have Internet up in heaven, please know that you were one of the brightest spots and fondest memories of college I have ever had and I now regret deeply that we fell out of touch. Save me a spot in the heavenly choir and I’ll join you up there someday and we can sing together again. Thanks for nurturing the artist within me.

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