I’ve learned of the death of Ralph Kaffel, who built Fantasy Records into the largest indie jazz label in the world during his tenure as president (1973- 2004). Kaffel was 91 years old.

He is pictured here (on the right) with Art Pepper (on the left). During his tenure, he promoted the work of Pepper and other jazz stars who weren’t getting much support from major labels. His roster included Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter, and many others.

I had dinner with Kaffel once—my only meeting with him. Ralph was trying to enlist me to work a project, but I eventually had to decline—I just didn’t have time to do it. However, I took advantage of our dinner to ask him about all sorts of things and try to get a read on this label exec. I came away feeling that Ralph was a decent guy and a straight shooter, maybe one of the few people in the industry that operated with the right motives and values. I'm sorry to learn of his death.

His legacy ought to be commemorated. And we can appreciate Kaffel all the more after seeing how subsequent owners of the company's catalog and brands have acted.