The news of Willie Payne, Jr.’s passing profoundly shocked and saddened the smooth jazz community including musicians, radio personalities, and concert attendees.
On Monday, August 3rd, 2020, Willie Payne who was the founder of Payne Pest Management and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, passed away.He was 72. The news of his passing profoundly shocked and saddened the smooth jazz community including musicians, radio personalities, and concert attendees. An outpouring of condolence messages to the Payne family followed, revealing the love and respect Mr. Payne warranted from so many people. He leaves behind his wife Kathleen Payne, Angela Payne Seward (daughter), Jason Payne (son) and David Payne (son).
I have had the pleasure of covering the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival since July 2017 as a music journalist. Each year’s festival provided an exceptional weekend of superb musical performances from the top smooth jazz artists.The elegant venue by the bay provided a spectacular setting to enjoy the music. Amidst the crowds, backstage and in the VIP section, Willie Payne moved nonstop, smiling and orchestrating the scene.By his side were his wife, Kathleen Payne who worked tirelessly as well; plus, Oz and Kimberly Benoit who were dear friends and co-produced the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival.Radio personalities Kelly Cole and Pat Prescott have co-hosted the festivals along with musicians Eric Darius and Brian Culbertson.
Kathleen Payne (Co-Producer San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival):
“Words cannot express how grateful I am for the outpouring of love and kindness shown to me and my family by so many at this time of immeasurable loss. I am overwhelmed by the countless, lovely tributes, posts, memories, prayers, dedications, and especially the pictures. He touched so many lives, and what better testament for a life well-lived. As a woman of faith, I believe that the love of my life and my best friend is living in eternal paradise with the Lord. Although my heart is broken in a million pieces, and I will never again feel his hand in mine or receive that constant sweet peck on the lips, I am comforted by feeling his presence within my heart everyday like a guardian angel guiding my path. I love you, Willie Payne, to the moon and back, always and forever and I love all of you too. Again, thank you for continuing to lift me and our entire family in prayer.”
Kimberly & Oz Benoit (Co-Producers San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival):
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, business partner, and co-founder of the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. He was truly a remarkable man that loved his family, friends, and Smooth Jazz. He was kind, generous, and always the life of the party. We love you, Willie Payne, and you will live on in our hearts forever.”
“It’s so hard to sit here and try to give a tribute to Willie Payne when all I can think about is how much I know Kathy is hurting. They are like one to me. Together they kept me going through some of the most difficult times of my life.That said, I will say that Willie is truly the best life coach I have ever known.Whether he is coaching sports, a company, or an event, he is the best.He knows how to bring people of all levels together, to get them in the game and make them all believe they are an intricate part of the experience; no matter how big or small their part is, it was important to Willie, and he made sure you knew that.I took my daughter to one of the Payne Pest Management appreciation cruises.She was so amazed by how awesome the experience was.All of us were treated like we were on “Team Willie” and just as important as anyone there.It is one of the best times my daughter and I have ever had together.With the times we are in today, I can only hope that we can all come together and be a team, that everyone feels important, and knows that they are a valuable asset to the effort.That we can keep coach Willie’s efforts and memory strong so it will continue!”
“It was an advertising sales meeting that brought Willie and Kathy Payne to our dining room table on that first day we met, but before they left our house that day, we had the foundation for a fast friendship. Our families and friends merged into one big old Casa Payne party with Willie holding court and talking trash at the grill. He was an admired and respected businessman who turned his love for the music into becoming a supportive muse to the artists, sponsors of their events, and eventually a promoter himself. I admired Willie for his considerable accomplishments, but I loved him for his generous fun-loving spirit, his dedication to his family and friends, and mostly for counting me as one of those friends.”
The Cohen Family (Friends & Photographers of the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival):
“In Honor of a Great Man – Willie Payne – R.I.P. my friend, you were taken away from us too soon! I will always remember the beautiful conversations, cocktails, your meat, your heart, dancing on the dance floor with you ’til 6 AM in all different parts of the world. You’ll remain as one of the best examples of a truly unique, beautiful person in every way possible, we will be here for your gorgeous soulmate Kathy, and family, as they are my most treasured friend., Your kids are my best friends. Why God took you so soon, I’ll never know; maybe God was selfish and needed you up there. You and your entire family are loved by so many.
We are wishing your family and friends strength and peace during this hard time, & we are thankful to have shared memories with Willie & all the Payne Family! I will miss him & his impact on our family. Our family will not be the same without Willie. I hope we can find comfort together during this uncertain time. Willie was a beautiful man that made a difference in so many lives.”
“When I think of Willie Payne, I remember his smile, his spirit, his love for music, and his trusting reputation. Even though he has moved on to the ultimate place, I am truly blessed to have known and work with him. Job well done. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.”
“We all loved Willie – he was a great friend, a great music lover, and we all miss him dearly. Without him, there would have been no San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. We will always remember him for his smile and indomitable spirit.”
“I’m so sorry about the loss of Willie. . . He was a wonderful human being – carrying passion and love for music and people. He was a musician’s great supporter too. We will miss him forever . . . sad we couldn’t perform at Festival this year . . . otherwise, we could see him one more time.
My Heart and Prayers go out to [his] family. R.I.P. Willie.” Love & gratitude, Keiko.
Chuck Dennis (Founder of the Oxnard Jazz Festival):
“I was fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Payne a few years ago. He was a mentor to many in the jazz community.As a concert promoter, he always had time to chat with me backstage or on the phone; our conversations were very enlightening. Mr. Payne always provided an opportunity for new and aspiring musicians to grace the stage. He will truly be missed by the entire Smooth Jazz Community. “
Marilyn Lingenfelter (Friend & VIP Attendee of the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival):
“Willie Payne was a pillar of our jazz community. His generosity and influence were felt worldwide and will be sorely missed by so many musicians. friends and music lovers.”
“The last time I spoke to him was at the SD smooth jazz festival and after the show, he told how proud he was of my performance.” You’re moving up and up”. Keep going. And gave me a big hug.”
Lisa Lang (VIP attendee of the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival):
“So heartbreaking . . . our smooth jazz community lost a real gem with the passing of Willie. I’ve been to a couple of his jazz festivals and they are top-notch, and anyone that knows me knows I attend a LOT of jazz festivals. The only thing bigger than his infectious smile was his huge heart.”
“Willie Payne was such a beautiful spirit. Not only that, but he was also a strong advocate for independent artists like myself. He used his platforms and influence to make sure that fresh new music was present in the jazz community. There was only one Willie Payne. He was loved by all and will truly be missed.”
“A true gentleman, a consummate business with a heart of Gold, and a musician with a passion for jazz. The “glue” that kept Smooth Jazz relevant on the West Coast and nationwide. If Willie Payne believed in you . . . your future was bright.”
“I only met him once, and it was brief. I’ve known about him for years, though. I’ve always been in awe of all that Mr. Payne has accomplished! The contemporary jazz world lost a giant, but his legacy will live on through all of the talents he launched by giving us the chance to perform on his stages! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and everyone he has touched.”
“Willie and DW3 had a bond like no other. Willie was a big man with a big heart and a big love for music.”
Kaylene Peoples (Artist & Executive Editor Schmooze Jazz Magazine):
“The staff of Schmooze Jazz magazine offers our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Willie Payne, Jr. The smooth jazz community will always remember Payne’s contributions and his tireless patronage, which helped create insurmountable awareness to the genre of contemporary jazz.”
Kathy Payne, in Memory of Willie Payne, has set up a fund to help jazz musicians during COVID-19.She feels this is something Willie would want. So, in lieu of flowers, Kathy is asking if you could contribute anything you can to help keep the music alive, which was such an important part of Willie’s life.Contributions to the Willie Payne Jazz Musician Fund can be made using this link: https://www.paypal.me/pools/c/8rsUfpFIf4, and proceeds will be distributed to artists.
Enjoy the gallery, remembering Willie Payne, Jr. (Photos by Sheryl Aronson)
1 thought on “Willie Payne, Jr.: The Smooth Jazz World Has Lost a Giant”
ThNk you for the beautiful article on my father. Even though he is gone, he made a lasting impression on many and his spirit will live forever. Thanks again!
ThNk you for the beautiful article on my father. Even though he is gone, he made a lasting impression on many and his spirit will live forever. Thanks again!