CHARLES (Bucky) Adams, the late Halifax-born jazz and rhythm-and-blues musician called “a living legend” by those who knew and played with him, touched people all his life.

That was clear from the number of family, friends and fans who jammed St. Patrick’s Church in Halifax on Tuesday to say goodbye to the beloved jazz icon, who passed away July 13 at age 75. The memorial service included both glowing tributes and, fittingly, inspired music from those who gathered to honour the man as father, friend and musical prodigy.

Bucky Adams taught himself to play sax as a child and went on to play all other wind instruments and piano, too. He received the African Nova Scotian Music Association’s lifetime achievement award in 2007.

His smooth, rich, warm signature sound became renowned well beyond Nova Scotia’s borders. But Bucky — despite receiving offers to play on the road with the likes of B.B. King — always refused to leave home and his family, and played regularly at Northwood Manor until he died. Still, he shared the stage with musical giants like Count Basie, Oscar Peterson and others when they came to play in this province.

Bucky Adams’ musical genius will be missed.

(edits@herald.ca)