Obituary - BRAD WARREN CATRON

Submitted by the family

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Brad Warren Catron unexpectedly passed from us. Brad was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend to many. He will be remembered as a great musician with a fierce sense of humor.

Brad was an exceptional guitarist, songwriter and singer for over 40 years with a degree in Jazz Improvisation and Composition from NYU and Rutgers University.

Born in New York City on July 7, 1952, he cut his teeth on every kind of gig imaginable. Starting out in his early years playing weddings and social parties, to touring with the most popular acts of the time. Such notables as the 5th Dimension, Roy Ayers, David Sanborn, Ricky Peterson, Gato Barbieri, Oleta Adams, Phyllis Hyman and countless others. His music was a blend of traditional jazz harmonies, infused with the flavor of all the different places he traveled over the years. There was always a taste of New York, New Orleans, the street funk of Oakland, and the wide mix of sound out of Southern California. It was impossible to play music with Brad and not be consumed with the power of spontaneity and “the pocket.” He was a master of both.

That said, it was his sense of humor that people will remember the most. He had the absolute ability to bring you to tears with laughter, and for a time, we thought he had missed his calling in standup comedy.

Brad is survived by his two children — Justin, and Briana Catron — along with Renny Lagares; his grandson, Caylese Catron Legares; his niece, Danielle Bishop; and his sister, Dawn Bishop. Brad was preceded in death by his brother, Dean, who Brad missed his entire life. Now they are together.

Brad was taken from us all way too soon. May Brad rest in peace and bring a smile to all of us in his memory. Groove on!