Remembering Norton Buffalo (1951-2009)
It is with great sadness, and heavy hearts that we write this. Our dear friend Norton Buffalo passed away yesterday, October 30th. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer not long ago, and though he fought hard to regain his health, the cancer was just too far advanced. He is beloved by his friends and family, and will be missed by us all. He has been our friend and musical collaborator for many years, appearing on several albums by the Doobie Brothers, and various band members throughout the years. Always an amazing player, and innovative talent, he brought so much energy, and unique creativity to any performance.
As a friend he was always loyal and true, and we are proud to be able to call him our brother. We send our sincere condolences and love to his wonderful wife Lisa, and all his family. Among countless other credits, Norton was an important member of the Steve Miller Band, and toured and recorded for over 30 years with Steve. Our condolences to Steve and the band as well. There will be a concert in the San Francisco Bay Area to honor Norton’s memory, and to raise much needed funds to help cover medical expenses, etc. Steve Miller, The Doobie Bros., Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Roy Rogers, and possibly others, will be performing. The tentative date for this is Jan. 23rd., with possibly another night added. Check our website for any updates and details in the coming weeks.
Thanks, Norton for all the great music, and memories. We’ll never forget you.
- The Doobie Brothers
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Comments
Comment from Angela “RoadAngel” Moraglia
Time: November 2, 2009, 9:21 am
Saw Norton Buffalo with Steve Miller band and he was an awesome talent. He will be missed. However, your spirit will live on with your music. You will be missed! RoadAngel
Comment from Ryan
Time: November 2, 2009, 4:24 pm
Had a chance to meet him once briefly a few years ago when he was playing as a guest artist with the Doobies. He even signed my copies of “Livin’ On The Fault Line” and “Minute By Minute” on which he performed as a side man. He will be missed.
Comment from Mark
Time: November 2, 2009, 6:15 pm
Very sad to hear this. I saw Norton with Steve Miller several times, & one stands out in my memory. In 1995 Steve & the Doobies were touring together, & Norton came out & jammed with the Doobies on “Long Train Running”, & that was probably the highlight of an already great concert. I also recall seeing Norton solo on a PBS broadcast, (likely on “Austin City Limits”), with John McFee in his band. A great musician to the end. RIP Norton, you will be sorely missed.
Comment from Andrew
Time: November 3, 2009, 6:49 am
Norton it was always a pleasure hearing you play i enjoyed you musical talent the industry has losted another great person.
You will be greatly missed
Andrew
Comment from George Estep
Time: November 3, 2009, 1:31 pm
I have been a “Doobie Fan” for decades,, Norton is jamming with the greats. He will be missed.
Comment from David
Time: November 3, 2009, 9:36 pm
Norton was my pal for 25 years. Along with being an amazing force in music he was a fine, fine person. I miss him so much that I can’t imagine not seeing him again.
Comment from Gorgio Moroda
Time: November 4, 2009, 1:13 am
Fly high Norton, be free – remember there is a light that shines on all people.
Comment from Jay Cooke
Time: November 5, 2009, 10:41 am
The community of Paradise CA is better because Norton loved our town. Peace
Comment from Irene Alcala
Time: November 6, 2009, 10:12 am
Norton Buffalo (Phillip Jackson as I knew him),and I went to high school together. In June 2009 I organized a class reunion and had the pleasure to re connect with him . It was a very special evening indeed…….He will be missed by many……………….. His music will live on and on.
Comment from tom san jose
Time: November 7, 2009, 4:08 pm
NORTON-180 albums . you will never be forgotten- ever! first doobies concert-saint franis high school mountain view ca. 1970- second one winterland-steve miller band-doobie brothers-docter hook and the medacine show= at least 50 times since-I love you guys -you always play great live-ALWAYS-ps road angel- i was riding down the highway silver harly by my side thanx
Comment from tom san jose
Time: November 7, 2009, 4:14 pm
one more thing-cris i bought your book for a gift for my freind great book=thanx
Comment from Capn
Time: November 8, 2009, 6:16 pm
Norton was a large part of my decision to move to California, fortunately I was able to enjoy his talents with SMB, Norton and Friends, The Knockouts, The Christmas Jug Band, Harmonica Blowout…. it is with misty eyes I type these words, a finer man I have never met. Love ya br’er, gonna miss ya big time… gone, perhaps, but NEVER forgotten. You are very special indeed, thanks for all you have done these past 20+ years.
Comment from Capn
Time: November 8, 2009, 6:23 pm
special thanks also to Bruce Cohn and The Doobies for the DVD from the annual fundraiser, as a result I have another opportunity to enjoy Norton’s Talents, frequently….
Comment from Larry
Time: November 10, 2009, 10:51 am
God Blesss Norton…..saw you play with Steve Miller in Milwaukee and come out on stage on cue to jam the harmonica soloon”Long Train runnin”..and several times in Steves Band…….your talen and gift will live on……………
Comment from Bob Baker
Time: November 25, 2009, 10:56 am
I had nothing in common with Norton Buffalo other than that I am from Buffalo and rode a Norton. Well maybe a few other things, like the things that we all share who are blessed with an appreciation for the music we all love and grew up with. He played to make others happy. When we say he’s “gone” – where does that mean? And aren’t we all “going” there right now? He shared his heart and life and music with us. As Tom Johnson says – Without Love – where would we be right now? To me the road of Peace and Love is the highway of beauty in this brief life. May we all remember the great times and enjoy this journey, yet look ahead, as the best may be yet to come.
Comment from Jay
Time: December 21, 2009, 8:55 pm
I never knew Norton personally or even met him but I saw him on the Bammies in 1992. What a talent and a gentle soul. You’ll be missed
Comment from Debbie
Time: January 25, 2010, 1:16 pm
Norton will really be missed. Thanks for the fantastic tribute in Oakland. So incredible.
I met Norton in No. Cal. near where he lived, he played this area a lot along with Roy Rogers and I will always remember Norton’s peaceful yet happy and fun demeanor and his great smile. He made you feel a part of the show!
You guys are awesome and you haven’t slowed down a bit after all these years, thanks for all the great concerts, hope you keep going strong!
(And John, you remind me of Norton, the smile and interaction with your audience, … after hearing you knew Norton for so long, I really am sorry for your loss.)
I will always remain a big fan of Norton Buffalo and the fantastic Dobbie Brothers,
Debbie
Comment from Debbie
Time: January 25, 2010, 1:18 pm
Thanks.
Comment from Nate C.
Time: November 2, 2009, 6:42 am
Norton was the best…What a wonderful soul!! RIP Norton, we love ya!