All of us at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robert “Bobby” Felder.
Bobby was more than a remarkable musician and educator. He was part of the fabric of Washington’s music community, and for those of us who have spent our lives around musicians, teachers, bandleaders, and lifelong lovers of music, we know just how meaningful a life like his truly is.
As The Washington Informer shared in its recent tribute, Bobby Felder was a central figure in the Washington, D.C. jazz scene for more than 60 years, and his impact reached far beyond the bandstand. He was remembered not only as a celebrated trombonist, arranger, and bandleader, but as a mentor to generations of D.C. musicians.
That kind of legacy means something special to us. At Chuck Levin’s, we have always believed that a music store is really about people. The instruments matter, of course, but what stays with you are the relationships, the conversations, the familiar faces, and the people who help shape a musical community over time. Longtime customers become part of that story, and Bobby was clearly one of those people whose presence carried real meaning.
The Informer also noted the extraordinary breadth of Bobby’s life in music: from his roots in Tampa, to Fisk University, to his years as an educator in Washington, including a 23-year career at the University of the District of Columbia. His legacy also lives on through the many artists he trained, mentored, and performed with throughout the years.
From all of us at Chuck Levin’s — and especially from the Levins family — we want to remember Bobby Felder with gratitude, admiration, and respect. We are honored that he was part of this extended music community that has meant so much to us for generations.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, his students, and the many musicians whose lives he touched. Washington has lost an important piece of its musical history, but Bobby’s influence will continue to be heard for a long time to come.