I don't remember emails, but I specifically recall calling my parents in NJ (I was teaching in CA at the time). Maynard was like part of the family since I was a kid. Not that we knew him personally, that's not my point. But you really feel a great connection with someone through their art and infectious personality, even if you are only a fan. We always had Maynard on around the house and my parents were always looking for new MF albums for me.

When I told them the bad news, they were almost as sad as I was and almost couldn't believe it had happened. We shared and remembered together and then my dad and I went to the tribute concert as sort of our one last Maynard show together.

John