Brother Yusif Salim, jazz pianist, dies

Brother Yusuf Salim, an iconic mentor figure in Durham's jazz community for more than 30 years, has passed away at age 79. He died early Thursday morning at the VA Hospital after a long struggle with prostate cancer.

"Every community has a person who inspired people, a cat," said Larry Thomas, a local writer and radio host. "That was almost like his duty. You never heard a discouraging word from Yusuf about anybody, only encouragement. He was one of the most humble people I ever met."

Born Joseph Blair in 1929, Salim grew up playing piano in his native Baltimore just as jazz was coming into being. Salim's role was more as accompanist than soloist. He played in various house bands around Baltimore, backing Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins and other jazz giants when they passed through town.

In 1974, Salim moved to Durham and soon became the grand old man of the local jazz community. Singers Nnenna Freelon and Eve Cornelious were two of the many area musicians who benefitted from his tutelage. Salim also hosted a WUNC-TV series, "Yusuf and Friends," and ran a nightclub.

"He grew up in the period in which jazz was created, and he was exposed to all the creators," said Freeman Ledbetter, a bassist who played with Salim for more than 30 years. "He brought that to Durham. When he'd see kids coming out of NC Central and playing jazz, he'd say, 'Those are our chillen.'

"He made a hell of an impression," Ledbetter added. "Everybody around here passed through Yusuf. He touched all of them." Salim is survived by a daughter, Mariyam Blair of Durham; and two siblings, Margaret Silver and Bernard Blair, both of Baltimore.

Funeral services are set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St. in Durham. Preceding the funeral, there will be a two-hour jam session at Hayti with many of Salim's musician friends performing.