Niles Ford had a larger-than-life personality, a wicked sense of humor and and a truly creative spirit. A Sagittarius by Sun, he knew how to DJ a dance party with infectious grooves, could impersonate anyone’s mannerisms perfectly with perfect mischief, and his career as a dancer and choreographer was really just taking off. A few days before he died unexpectedly in his sleep (heart attack) last weekend, I was wondering when he was going to get his lithe, athletic, beautiful self back to Portland to DJ a dance party. Then I got the call.
I never got to see him perform his art live; he was based in Brooklyn, NY, so I usually saw him when he was taking a few days off from “the scene” or in transit to a dance festival. I was going to wait to post this video till next weekend, when his memorial service will be; but our mutual friend Emma dedicated her radio show to him this morning; I think today’s a good day to share his work with Planet Waves. – amanda
thank you for sharing this (loss), amanda…
I’m so sorry dear Amanda, for the loss of your beautiful and talented friend Niles. xxx
samantha — i’m really glad to know that you appreciated it! thank you for taking the time to watch.
Amanda! That was one of the most touching pieces I’ve seen…..thank you! The timing was so perfect as well. I am sorry for your loss.
hi fe —
yeah, etta got a FB post from me earlier; i decided to give niles a little blog time.
Amanda: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your fellow artist and friend. Thank you for posting the tribute.
Fe: Thank you for recognizing another passage that should not escape notice. Without the contributions, influences and achievements of Etta James, my life would have been without some of its most important and formative inspirations.
Let us also remember fellow Aquarian Etta James, who died today at 73 — five days before her 74th birthday.
Rock on, Etta. Amazing life, a gifted voice and spirit.