Obituary: Pittsburgh jazz musician Hill Jordan 'made everyone feel like family'
The Pittsburgh jazz family is somber today.
One of its own, Hill Jordan, 50, died Wednesday of unknown causes.
Jordan, known to many as “Hilly,” was a trombonist and leader of Hill Jordan & Slide Worldwide. He regularly played clubs and festivals throughout Pittsburgh and the region. Many knew him for his deep conversations and roaring laughter between music sets.
“He was enterprising and such a talented musician,” said Evan Frazier, who grew up in Stanton Heights and graduated from Peabody High School in East Liberty with Jordan. “He made his mark on Pittsburgh’s music scene.”
A GoFundMe page set up for funeral services described Jordan: “The nephew of Pittsburgh Jazz legend Dr. Nelson Harrison, father to Isabella and Bryant, Hill Jordan was Peabody graduate who went along and did his studies at the University of Pittsburgh. There, he performed with Pitt Marching band, the Pitt Jazz Ensemble, the African Dance Ensemble with Shona Sheriff and Umoja African Arts Company”
Pittsburgh jazz legend Roger Humphries said he met Jordan many years ago.
“He was so talented and he loved playing on his trombone,” said Humphries, 77, from the North Side. “I am so saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. I said ‘Wow’ when I heard the news.”
Steve Nelson, who grew up with Jordan in Highland Park and lives in New Jersey, said the word “friend” can’t really describe his connection to Jordan.
“Our bond was more than friends,” Nelson said. “He was like a brother.”
Nelson recalled spending time with Jordan’s grandparents in Highland Park. As a teenager, Jordan often declined to go out because he wanted to practice the trombone.
Jordan and Nelson knew each other since they were 3 years old. They attended different schools but went to the same church.
They were Boy Scouts in Troop 34 and enjoyed camping and sleepovers.
Even though Nelson moved out of state, the two stayed connected. They sometimes took their children to Kennywood.
Nelson said Jordan was committed to caring for his son and daughter. Jordan’s son Bryant called Nelson “Uncle Steve” and Nelson’s son Roman called Jordan “Uncle Hill.”
The weekend of Sept. 11, Jordan called Nelson and they re-lived the fateful day 20 years ago. Nelson was working near the World Trade Center. His parents were unable to get in touch with their son. They phoned their daughter and then Jordan to see if he had heard from Nelson.
“My family considers Hill part of our family,” Nelson said.
Because of Jordan, Frazier met his wife Holly Hatcher-Frazier. Frazier, a former Highmark executive, heads The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), a nonprofit organ focused on increasing Black executive leadership throughout Pittsburgh and nationally.
“We are really sad to hear this news,” Frazier said. “I know the music scene is hurting, and took a few steps back when we lost ‘Hilly.’”
As long as he can remember, Frazier said, Jordan could be seen playing the trombone, including during their days at Peabody High.
“He was really bright and had a fun spirit,” Frazier said. “He was in one of the scholar programs.”
One of his gigs was performing for Barebones Black Box Theater and Barebones Production, Inc. in Braddock. Jordan played summer weekends in a courtyard outside of the theater and the restaurant Superior Motors.
The theater’s owner, actor Patrick Jordan of North Point Breeze, said he always gets asked if he and Hill Jordan are related.
He answers, “no, but yes.”
“We have been friends for more than 15 years,” Patrick Jordan said. “I love this guy. He was always a beacon of light. He made everyone feel like family. I can’t wrap my head around the fact he is gone. He was a big name in Pittsburgh and he loved to collaborate on things. He was one of the nicest guys. I am heartbroken.”
So are many others. Jordan’s Facebook page is flooded with heartfelt messages.
“When I got the call about his death, that was hard,” Nelson said. “He touched my life. Even though we lived in different states, I knew I could call or text and he would be there. There is no question the Pittsburgh jazz scene is a little quieter today.”
Justin Strong was co-owner of the former popular East Liberty music venue Shadow Lounge. Jordan sometimes performed there.
“I was talking with some friends who knew him and we talked about his impact in this world,” Strong said. “His death is a shock and we are all on that path and should think about our impact, we should take inventory of our lives and try to do something impactful. Hill definitely made an impact. He can check off that box.”
As a fellow musician, Humphries said he has a deeper appreciation for the work and dedication of Jordan.
Humphries recalled several open jam sessions which Jordan attended at James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy that Humphries hosted.
“That is something we all can hold on to,” Humphries said. “Everyone responded to him like family because that is how he treated everyone.”
Funeral services will be held at at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave. in Pittsburgh. Doors open at 10 a.m.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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