Lars Westin 1948 - 2023
Swinging with the Angels
Yesterday morning we received some sad news.
Swedish jazz journalist and historian Lars Westin peacefully passed away on Wednesday in Stockholm after a long illness, surrounded by his family including his four grandchildren.
Lars was the kind and generous “angel” who came into our lives with his deep interest, research, translations, and recordings of the early years of my dad, Danish drummer Uffe Baadh aka Frank Bode. His reaching out to me via an email inquiring, “Are you related to Uffe Baadh?” opened the door to the music and history that is the foundation of our family’s story documented here in Keep the Beat.
Lars was born on October 15, 1948 in Sollefteå, Sweden. From 1983-2006 he was editor of the jazz magazine Orkesterjournalen. He also contributed to the Swedish Jazz History project, authored many jazz history books, and contributed as a writer to The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz.
He was the key researcher for the documentary, The Åke Hasselgard Story (1983). He also produced about 250 jazz recordings, mostly released by Dragon Records which he founded and ran together with Leif Collin.
With deepest gratitude, rest in peace, Lars. Swing with the angels. May your memory be a blessing.
Lars Olof Westin, October 15, 1948 - October 18, 2023