Former The Black Crowes keyboardist Eddie Harsch sadly died on this date in 2016. He was just 59 years old. Eddie Harsch was born on May 27, 1957 in Toronto. In the 1980s, Harsch played keys with blues harmonica great James Cotton before joining The Black Crowes. Eddie brought his deep knowledge of music and uplifting keyboard stylings to the Crowes from 1991 to 2006.
Eddie also played in other band’s during The Black Crowes’ first hiatus and beyond his time in the band including the Detroit jam band Bulldog and the Detroit Cobras where he played bass. Just before his death in 2016, Harsch was slated to join his former Black Crowes bandmates guitarists Rich Robinson and Marc Ford as well as bassist Sven Pipien in The Magpie Salute. Eddie sadly would not get to perform with his bandmates as he died on November 4, 2016.
Magpie Salute co-founder Rich Robinson shared some memories of Eddie after his death. Read an excerpt below:
It is with the saddest of hearts that we bid farewell to our dear friend Eddie Harsch. Eddie was a brilliant musician, with a beautiful heart. We should remember Eddie for his music, his great sense of humor, and his positive outlook on life.
All of those attributes Rich speaks of can be seen in a 12-minute tribute The Magpie Salute put together for their friend and keyboard player. The video features footage from the Magpie Salute’s debut performance in January 2017 and their special tribute to Eddie at the concert.
In honor of Eddie Harsch, watch The Magpie Salute’s tribute video below:
