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Music legend Dave “Baby” Cortez, known for his upbeat and soulful organ music, passed away quietly at age 83 in his New York City apartment. His death stands in stark contrast to the vibrant and danceable music he created, including his breakout hit, “The Happy Organ.”
While born in Detroit, Cortez rose to prominence amidst the burgeoning New York R&B and instrumental music scene. “The Happy Organ” topped the charts in 1959, a remarkable feat in an era dominated by vocal groups. The song’s success marked a turning point in popular music: it was the first instrumental to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and showcased the organ’s potential in pop and rock music.
Despite his early success, Cortez became increasingly reclusive in later years. He rarely appeared in public or gave interviews after the 1980s.
His daughter, Taryn Sheffield, revealed to the New York Times that Cortez had become disillusioned with the music industry. Sadly, she lost contact with him for 13 years before learning of his death.
Cortez’s passing was discovered only when music royalty organization BMI needed to locate his next of kin. Having lost contact with his family, Cortez was laid to rest in an unmarked grave on Hart Island.
A rare 2012 interview with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) offers a glimpse into Cortez’s past. He recalled the thrill of learning “The Happy Organ” was a hit while on tour with artists like Jimmy Clanton, Freddy Cannon, and Fabian.
He described receiving a telegram announcing the song’s success, exclaiming, “So, you got a hit!” This interview serves as a valuable piece of archival footage, preserving the memory of a musician whose legacy continues to resonate in the world of instrumental music.