Ian Finkel

Ian Lawrence Finkel (August 13, 1948 – November 16, 2020) was an American musician specializing in the xylophone, author, and entertainer.[1][2]

Ian Lawrence Finkel
Ian Finkel playing the xylophone
Background information
Born(1948-08-13)August 13, 1948
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedNovember 16, 2020(2020-11-16) (aged 72)
New York City, U.S.
Instrument(s)Xylophone
Spouse(s)Cheryl Ann Allen

Early life and education

Finkel was the son of Fyvush Finkel, and Gertrude (Lieberman) Finkel. His brother, Elliot Finkel, is also a known entertainer. The brothers performed as the comedic-duet the Finkel Boys.[3][4]

Finkel attended Mannes School of Music at the New School and was a student of Walter Rosenberger.[1] He also studied under Norman Grossman.[5]

Career

Finkel was known as one of the world’s greatest xylophone virtuosos.[6] He was the musical director for Michael Feinstein. He also worked for Sid Caesar, Tito Puente, and Ginger Roberts.[7] He played with the New York Philharmonic and played with orchestras that accompanied Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.[8] He had concert tours in Japan, Korea, Canada, Mexico, England, and America.[9]

He was the editor of Solos for the Vibraphone Player and the writer of plays and musicals including Sophie Tucker in Person.[10] His books include Three is The Charm, Sex Stories My Wife Told Me, and Transmutation Blues and Vaudeville 1922, and numerous short stories.[11] In 2009, he authored the humorous book, You're Not Suppose to Be Here.[12]

Personal life

Finkel was married to Cheryl Ann Allen. The couple had two children.

He died of complications of COVID-19 in Manhattan, on November 16, 2020, aged 72, after battling the virus since March while hospitalized for a stroke.[1]

References
  1. Kilgannon, Corey (2020-11-25). "Ian Finkel, 'World's Greatest Xylophonist,' Dies at 72". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  2. Hughes, Allen (7 January 1973). "IAN FINKEL RAISES XYLOPHONE'S STATUS (Published 1973)". The New York Times.
  3. "Ian Finkel Has Died". Theater Pizzazz. 2020-11-17. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  4. "The Finkel Brothers – A Valentine To The Great American Songbook". www.wbgo.org. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  5. Barnhart, Stephen L.; Gillespie, John (2000). Percussionists: A Biographical Dictionary. Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0-313-29627-7.
  6. "Ian Finkel Theatre Credits, News, Bio and Photos". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  7. "Ian Finkel – Jazz Arts Group of Columbus". Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  8. "A tribute to Ian Finkel, the world's greatest xylophonist". Local 802 AFM. 2020-12-01. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  9. "The Soul of the American Actor". www.soulamericanactor.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  10. "Finkel-Art of the Xylophone Grand School Book 2". Steve Weiss Music. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  11. "Celebrated Entertainer Ian Finkel partners with More4Many Books – JT-PR". Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  12. Finkel, Ian (2009). You're Not Suppose to Be Here. Bear Manor Media. ISBN 9781593935139. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
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