The Chris Gillespie Memorial Fund at Sing for Hope

Established in memory of the iconic pianist Chris Gillespie by his wife, Patricia Gillespie, and son, Andre Gillespie

Chris Gillespie (March 31, 1965 – December 15, 2017)

“Many have been asking what foundation they could contribute to in Chris’ memory. After careful thought, we have decided on Sing for Hope, a foundation that brings music to the lives of others. Many have heard about this wonderful organization and seen the Sing for Hope Pianos positioned around the city. Chris had enjoyed playing several of them. Recently, Chris had the pleasure of working on a performance with Camille Zamora, the Co-Founder of the organization. They formed an immediate bond and planned to do more work together. Sadly, they never got that opportunity. It now seems fitting that Chris’ memory will live on to help bring joy and healing through music to the lives of children and marginalized populations around the city and around the world.” – Patricia Gillespie CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW ***

Chris Gillespie, a jazz pianist of unique style who performed regularly at The Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar, died on December 15, 2017 in New York City. He was 52.

Born in Munich, Germany to a Dutch father and Tanzanian mother, Mr. Gillespie grew up in a foster family that loved music. After displaying a gift for music and vocals as a child, Mr. Gillespie was awarded a full scholarship at age 16 to a music academy for organ and sacred music. His early love of songs from American films and musical theatre inspired him to become a pianist and singer despite his considerable accomplishments at organ. After joining the German Air Force, he began performing in popular restaurants and clubs in Munich to supplement his income.

Chasing his love of American music, Mr. Gillespie arrived in New York City in the late 1980s and worked in construction while he found his footing in the New York City musical scene. His freelance work in the New York music community led to a regular spot at The Carlyle in 2002. With influences such as George Gershwin, Bill Evans and Frank Sinatra, Mr. Gillespie’s smooth, expressive voice and fluid piano stylings combined classical riffs with traditional jazz standards and helped coined the term “jazzical.”

In addition to his year-round residency at Bemelmans Bar, Mr. Gillespie was a highly sought performer for weddings, tributes and other special events in New York, around the nation and internationally in Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. He was well known in the music world as a composer and performer, entertaining both his regular audience and a wide range of celebrities and dignitaries.

Mr. Gillespie was a generous contributor as a performer at school functions and charity fundraisers, as well as a youth educator and choral director. For many years, Mr. Gillespie served as Director of Liturgical Music Education and the Children’s Choir at Our Lady of Good Counsel, and as the Musical Director for the Steuben Day (German-American) Parade.

Mr. Gillespie recorded and released several jazz albums, most notably “Chris Gillespie Live at the Carlyle” and “Portraits of Porter,” a 14-song tribute to Cole Porter.

Mr. Gillespie was an enthusiastic runner, having completed four consecutive New York City marathons, and was frequently seen jogging near the Reservoir in Central Park. He was also an accomplished tennis player and skier.

Mr. Gillespie is survived by his wife and son.

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Sing for Hope’s arts outreach programs bring hope and inspiration to under-resourced schools, hospitals, hospices, veterans’ centers, refugee sites, transit hubs, and disability networks. Since 2006, Sing for Hope has partnered with over 250 nonprofit organizations, involved over 3,500 artists in community volunteerism, and placed over 400 artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos in public spaces for everyone to play as a symbol and celebration of art for all.  Sing for Hope is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW