Bob Ackerman, 82, musician who transcended genres
January 5, 2023
Robert Jacob George “Big Daddy” Ackerman, a musician, composer and music educator, died Dec. 27 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 82.
He was born March 16, 1940, in Irvington, N.J., the son of Jacob and Gertrude Ackerman. Incubated in the Golden Age of Jazz, Bob began playing music at the age of 5. In fifth grade, he chose the alto saxophone as his instrument of study, later adding piano, clarinet and flute to his repertoire. He attended concerts by some of the greatest jazz musicians of the time, as well as classical and Broadway performances.
He entered Montclair State College at 17 and joined the musicians union, playing with orchestras, combos and big bands in the Catskill Mountains and around New York and New Jersey. He received his master’s degree at Columbia University while working as a full-time musician.
Mr. Ackerman began teaching music and became the high school band director in Highland Park, N.J. Improvising and composing became a passion during these years. He also worked at the Paper Mill Theater and played at jazz clubs at night.
In the mid-1970s, he met and married vocalist Pam Purvis and they embarked on a musical journey that took them around the world performing as a duo and with other noted musicians. Landing in Dallas in 1978, he was in the National Endowment Program of the Arts as a composer and artist-in-residence at the Dallas Arts Magnet High School.
Mr. Ackerman and his wife became well known in the area, playing in a jazz quintet, which led to European performances, all the while continuing to compose and write charts.
In the 1980s, Mr. Ackerman began to buy and sell vintage saxophones, growing his Progressive Winds into an international business. He developed expertise in mouthpiece refacing and was known as the “Mouthpiece Doctor.”
It was during this time that he realized the value of vintage saxophones and became a pioneer in vintage horn restoration. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him the moniker “King of Saxophones” and he relocated to the New York area. A larger than life character, his legendary antics and top notch collection of musical instruments drew people from around the world to his home in Irvington.
Mr. Ackerman’s love of young musicians and his kind and giving spirit led him to mentor many students. He would match their style of playing with a custom horn and mouthpiece. He leaves a multitude of recordings in genres from classical to jazz and avant-garde, including his own classical and jazz compositions.
In the notes to a CD of his symphonic works that he conducted, Tristan Willems – a musician, composer and publisher who was with the family at his side – called Mr. Ackerman “a rarity among musicians in our day and age: more than a performer who composes or a composer who performs, he transcends musical genres and styles.”
Mr. Ackerman retired to Pawleys Island in 2017, playing local gigs and concerts. He would rather play music than eat when he was hungry and rarely went a day in life without playing. He lived a life of music and left a legacy of passion and excellence.
In addition to his wife of 47 years, he is survived by his daughter, Tanya Ackerman; his granddaughter, Lauren Ropp; his brother, Russell Ackerman (Fran); and his niece, Jennifer Kahl.
His sister, Lois Kahl, died before him.
Condolences may be sent at ridgewayfh.com.
