Cornelius Bumpus, saxophonist with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, has died after suffering a heart attack while flying between New York and California. The plane he was on made an emergency landing in Kansas City after the heart attack, where the musician was officially pronounced dead.
A statement on the Steely Dan website expresses its "profound sorrow and sympathy to Cornelius' wife and family".
Bumpus performed with the Doobie Brothers from the early eighties, but his relations with the band turned contentious in the late 1990s when they sued him and several other musicians over their use of the Doobies name.
From CMU
Article comments
1 - ClubhouseCancer
This is sad. Cornelius Bumpus should be remembered for some fantastic solos on those Doobies records and also for his great work with the Steely Dan road band â€" an astoundingly great ensemble â€" these last few years. He could play that fat, vibratoey King Curtis-style sax, but Cornelius could play in other styles too and could play sweetly as well as ballsy.
And he of course had one of the coolest names in music history.
2 - Mr LaPage
RIP Cornelius Bumpus. Steely Dan and the Doobies were my all-time favorites. I saw/heard Bumpus at 5 Steely Dan shows in the last decade. Truly a great performer. There will be no replacement.
3 - lablvrz
I had the pleasure of working with Cornelius in the late 80's here in California, interviewing him several times on radio. More than being a great musician, Cornelius was a kind and gentle human being. Though he was a quiet man in a large group, one-on-one he and I would talk about music for hours. Thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, family & friends. He will be missed.
4 - Eric Olsen
thanks all, I liked his solo album pretty well, also
5 - lisa
Cornelius played at my husbands club Rue B and was such an insperation to everyone there. His talent and warm nature inspired us all. He will be sadly missed.
6 - Betty Sue Smith class of 63
I went to high school and was in band with "Corney". He was a great musician and a fun caring person. I think of him often and send my sympathy and love to his daughter. p.s. His first band was "Corney and The Corvettes"