Richard Horowitz

January 6, 1949 - April 13, 2024

Friends,
A musical maverick, father, partner, lover, collaborator, friend, and singular human left us Saturday. For those of you who didn't know, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2021 and relocated to Morocco to live out the remainder of his life in a country he adored.

He was lovingly cared for by Sussan Deyhim, his partner in life and music of over 40 years, and was visited regularly by his daughter, Tamara Melnik and his grandchildren, as well as a coterie of nurses who were all kind to him. Much can be said about the musical legacy he left – including but not limited to, the co-creation of the Gnawa festival in Essaouira, Golden Globe award – but he was much more than that to so many people. A seeker, a skilled linguist (most especially fond of a good double entendre), a master pianist and ney player, a humorist, trickster, a loving partner, father, and grandfather, sometimes a critical snob, a traveler and world citizen who believed in our shared humanity. He will be missed beyond measure or time and we ask that he continue to guide us in the melody and tone of the universe.

Sussan, Tamara, Holly and the kids thank you for the outpouring of love and for sharing your beautiful stories with Richard. It means the world - keep them coming.

~ Tamara Melnik
on behalf of the family.