Mumbai-based jazz icon Ronnie Menezes passed away from complications arising due to Covid-19 on April 6. Beloved in recent years for filling the foyer of Lower Parel’s Palladium mall with sweet piano sounds but the 81-year-old had a vast influence over Indian jazz in the decades before. 

Many in the city’s music circle received the sad update Tuesday evening through a WhatsApp message from Colin D’Cruz, the pianist’s one-time bandmate. 
“An Indian jazz icon Ronnie Menezes passed away. His son Roger called and could barely speak through his tears. An unforgettable musician for me as my first jazz concert was with him. May his soul rest in peace.”