KENNETH "LEE" NORRIS

Birth date: Nov 16, 1955 Death date: Mar 5, 2024

Kenneth "Lee" Norris passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. He has been a Jazz aficionado for more than 50 years. Lee has been presenting his cutting-edge Mana'o radio show, "Jazz Metropolis" on Monday nights since 20 Read Obituary

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Kurt Chambers

7h ago

Among the most cherished memories of my life has been discovering the elusive independent radio stations of Hawai'i. I believe Jazz Metropolis hosted by Lee Norris must have been the first Mana'o show I found, because it's so rare to find jazz shows on the radio these days and I must have been seeking them. I found opportunities to live abroad for a few years after the pandemic, and was so grateful to be able to continue to listen to Lee's show every single week through Mana'o's streaming page even through I was thousands of miles away. His show (and other dear ones on Mana'o) kept me connected with the Islands. Will never forget Lee's extraordinary, deep voice and the wealth of new music he introduced me to.

Gayle Lewis

90w ago

Aloha to my dear friend and mentor, Ken. I was gifted with his time and knowledgeable music waves. Ken may have left the studio @ Manao, but his new journey will live on @ the Kihei Charter School. Jazz Metropolis Legacy alive and well @ the school as gifted tools in his home studio were donated to help,our musicial youth exceed in the Arts. May his memory be a blessing to all. Glad that Ken has left us a song on YouTube, "Caught Up" ft. Prem Brosio, 2021(Lee Norris, not Ken) I had the pleasure to close my show on the air,that song the last week of his life. Aloha 'Oe.Gayle Lewis.

Ely Spivack

91w ago

in honor of KENNETH.

Ken had a very special taste in music, always enlightening! From time to time he would call me during my show with a compliment or when I played an obscure tune that we both shared the knowledge of. Always there, always himself, always a mensch! You will be missed, my friend!

A fluffy tan teddy bear sits upright against a soft beige background, with its shiny eyes and a tiny nose giving it a friendly appearance.

Leonardo Bella

91w ago

Leonardo Bella

Lee was my very close friend. We spent really good quality time together over the last three years, and I so appreciated his unique personhood. A man of true old school integrity without a phony bone in his body. He was dependant on a steady diet of great music and he shared the best of what he found with his audience with gusto. There will never be another Kenneth "lee" Norris

Sheryl Renee

91w ago

Maui IS music, and I've been blessed to share the stage with some of the best through Jazz Maui. One of them was frequent event DJ and great supporter of Jazz Maui & Arts Education for Children Group, Kenneth Norris. Known to many as "Lee", since 2009, Kenneth was the host of Mana'o Radio, 91.7 FM, Maui, Hawaii 's, Monday night radio show, "Jazz Metropolis". Sadly, Lee passed away this week after some health complications. Below is his bio from the Mana'o website.

"Lee Norris is a producer, radio host, DJ, music archivist and an old fashioned record collector. He has been a Jazz aficionado for more than 50 years. From New York to California to Europe, Lee has been involved in some aspect of the Jazz scene since he was a kid. Lee also acquired very deep roots in House and Deep House while living in Chicago during his youth and now Jazz House. His approach to his Jazz radio show audience is a carefully crafted blend of standard Jazz with contemporary Jazz forms and elemental concepts of House, creating a synergy that takes you on a mystical musical journey (if you will), through the diverse neighborhoods of Jazz. So tune in and enjoy the ride."

When I started my cabaret show at ProArts Playhouse, Lee had me on Jazz Metropolis and it was one of my favorite on air interviews. It was amazing how many people we knew in common from around the world. Enjoy the ride, Lee. God bless you!! 🙏🏿🎶✊🏿

Bryantneal808

91w ago

My friend Kenneth Lee Norris generously donated his vast collection of sound equipment to the music room at Kihei Charter school. He was supportive of the education component of Jazz Maui and was always willing to help out when needed. He will be remembered and honored as students are exposed and trained on equipment provided by him for the purpose of perputating Jazz on Maui.

Jazz Maui is in the process of planning a Musical Tribute to Lee Norris and will keep you all posted when the date is set.

The Jazz Metropolis Legacy will live on! Aloha to you my brother!

Bryant Neal

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