Delbert (Del) E. Blake passed away on Monday, November 4, 2019, after a long fight with cancer.
He is survived by his wife Heather Daniel-Blake.
Del was born on December 10, 1942 at the Minidoka Relocation Center in Idaho to Shigenobu Fujino and Lorraine Iris King. He was named after the late brother of Lorraine, Delbert E. King, a promising young boxer in Washington State who tragically died from a boxing related injury at the age of 19. The family left Minidoka in 1943 ending up in Chicago, Illinois. Lorraine married Mike Blake in October 1946.
At a young age Del showed an interest in drumming and through dedication and discipline he honed his skills during his teens and early adult years. Del graduated in 1961 from West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington and attended Gonzaga University.
He pursued his musical career and moved to New York City where he was a page at NBC and worked with the Johnny Carson Show. He was noticed by Buddy Greco and was soon playing with his company. While playing with Greco, he was admired by Sammy Davis Jr. and soon was touring the world. At age 23 he played Carnegie Hall in New York with Davis, who introduced him as “The Greatest Drummer in the World.”
In his career, he played as a percussionist for Mel Torme, Tom Jones, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Englebert Humperdink and many others. He played the Los Angeles studio scene, where he was the percussionist for music scores of several movies and television series.
He became interested in computers, in the midst of his musical career, and he learned everything there was to know about the “NEW” technology. In less than 10 years, he became one of the few computer trainers in the nation, thus having two successful careers.
There are no scheduled services at this time.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Sorry to hear of the loss of such a talented person. Our love to Heather, Dwain and Rita Manske
Dear Heather, I was saddened to learn of Del’s passing. My wife and I had a wonderful visit with him in Las Vegas, when he was appearing at the Stardust. I had the good fortune of seeing him again when he was passing through the airport in Spokane while he was pursuing his computer career. Such a talented man.
Our deepest sympathy in your loss and warmest regards,
Hunt and Barb Swan
Heather,
I went to school with Del at West Valley HS and Gonzaga University. I can’t say we were close friends but we certainly knew each other. I remember a time at Gonzaga during a student body assembly where Del put on an exhibition drumming. Everyone was in awe of his ability. It one of my memorable events as at that same assembly I was awarded the MVP at Gonzaga for baseball that year. We talked after and agreed that West Valley would be proud of both of us. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing and I will remember him.