Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Sunday, November 19, 2006 at 05:59:41 :
Marin Independent Journal
Tuesday, July 26, 1988
Section A, page 4
ROBERT P. COUSINEAU
Longtime Marin band leader Robert P. “Cuz” Cousineau died Monday, July 25, 1988, at Greenbrae Convalescent Hospital after a long illness. He was 65.
Mr. Cousineau was a native of Yreka and had lived in Mill Valley for 23 years.
His wife, Kay Telfer Cousineau, described him as a versatile and beloved musician. In addition to playing the drums and the vibraphone, he was a composer, band leader and educator.
He played with such musical notables as Billie Holiday, Erroll Garner, Jimmy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, among others.
His 20-piece Cuz Cousineau Big Band, which played in the style of Duke Ellington, performed in the Bay Area for 13 years.
“His band was so special because Buz allowed all of the musicians to realize their own creativity and potential,” Mrs. Cousineau said. “He let each person be responsible for himself, and the guys responded to that tremendously.”
Mr. Cousineau also was an announcer of KJAZ radio for more than 15 years. He taught percussion, keyboard and arranging to many aspiring musicians.
In an interview with the Independent Journal in 1974, he said, “About everything I’ve done has been more or less for fun.”
In addition to his wife, Mr. Cousineau is survived by a son, Chris Cosineau of Santa Cruz, and a daughter, Cathy Cousineau Carter of Monrovia.
At Mr. Cousineau’s request, no service will be held.
The family asks that memorial donations be sent to the Sierra Club for the preservation of natural areas and wildlife.
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