Remembering Drummer Norman Higgins

Norman Higgins Died Yesterday At Age 66
Norman Higgins was a fantastic drummer and a great person. I don't know anyone that didn't just love the guy and his playing. I am proud to have known him and to have had the opportunity of playing in various musical groups with him.

I remember hearing him play with sax legend Sonny Stitt at a concert in Lexington. When I met Rahsaan Roland Kirk in Lexington, Kirk spoke of the great time he had when Norman was drumming in his group. Norman also played drums for organ legend Brother Jack McDuff.

On the local scene Norman played with just about everyone. I enjoyed playing with him in the PJ Short Trio, the Kevin Moreland Trio, The Polytones, the circus, and with various trios and quartets. I contend that he had the best shuffle beat of any drummer around. Lexington has lost a fine musician and fine man.

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From 01/07/07 Lexington Herald-Leader:

VERSAILLES - Norman Higgins, 66, widower of Jean Higgins, passed away Wed, Jan. 5, 2007, at Central Baptist Hospital after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Stanley "Jack" Higgins and Ollie B. Higgins. Survivors include daughters, Gwea and Denice Higgins, Atlanta, GA, son, Eric Higgins, Lexington, daughters, Princess Jenkins and Sherry Wilson, Lexington, two brothers, Bennett (Linda) Higgins and Jonathan (Jean) Higgins, Louisville, aunts, Daisy Buster and Marcella N. Bush, Lexington, Geneva McGee, Washington, DC, several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his best friend, his dog, Jack. Visitation 6-9pm Mon, Wesley United Methodist Church, 1825 Russell Cave Rd. Funeral Tue, 2:30pm, at the church. Morgan Funeral Home, Versailles in charge of arrangements.