Ken Franckling Obituary, Death Cause – We paid our respects to the life of Ken Franckling, an exceptional photographer who passed unexpectedly suddenly on Friday. The ceremony took place yesterday. At the celebration of Dan Miller’s life, we also took the time to remember Dan Miller. I was really young when I first met both of them, and it’s difficult for me to accept the fact that they are both no longer with us. I will never forget Dan’s larger than life attitude and the lessons he taught me about life and music.
Together with Ken’s generosity, the stunning photographs he shot are an aspect of our time together that I will never forget. The performance that was held in Naples United Church of Christ the year before last was the occasion for these photographs, which were captured there. Since 2018, we have been putting on shows there on a yearly basis. I am indebted to you, Dan, and Ken for everything that you have done. Dan Miller Jazz Foundation We would like to extend our gratitude to Ken Franckling, an accomplished music journalist and photographer of the highest caliber,
For the stunning photos and review he provided of Becky Weese’s concert with Brandon Goldberg at the Naples United Church of Christ on Sunday. What a wonderful evening of music we had in store for us it was going to be. Once more, I had a great time hanging out with Brandon and playing with him while we were together. All night long, Brandon, Lew Del Gatto, Chuck Bergeron, and Tony Vigilante provided swinging music for the audience.
Ken has been reporting on the Newport Jazz Festival for more than four decades and is a frequent contributor to Jazz Times. Recently, he had a stunning collection of his images published under the title “Jazz in the Key of Light.” Some of the musicians featured in the collection include Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins.