LeCompte performed with artists such as Anita O’Day, Bette Midler, Art Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Mel Torme, Madonna, John Tesh and Liza Minnelli.
A memorial service will be held for acclaimed musician Jack LeCompte at noon on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Petner Funeral Home, 6421 Frankford Ave.
LeCompte, a Holmesburg native who became a percussionist and drumming virtuoso, died Sept. 16 after a valiant 3½-year battle with cancer. He was 66 and lived in North Hollywood, California.
He was the fourth of eight children (six boys, two girls) gifted to Henry Loy and Helen Margaret [Fitzpatrick] LeCompte.
He was a graduate of St. Dominic Grammar School and Father Judge High School. At Judge, Coombs College of Music and the Philadelphia School of the Arts, he carried a pair of well-worn drumsticks. He followed his dream to Hollywood in 1979.
LeCompte performed with artists such as Anita O’Day, Bette Midler, Art Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Mel Torme, Madonna, John Tesh and Liza Minnelli. He appeared in the films For The Boys, Lush Life and Bird (The Charlie Parker Story).
He teamed up with fellow Philadelphia musicians Lou Shoch (bass) and Larry DiTommaso (piano) to record his solo album, Blue Collar.
He was devoted to inspiring and passing the beat down to the younger generation, teaching music in a number of after-school programs.
A lifelong student, he studied extensively with legendary instructors Carl Mottola and Murray Spivack.
In 2016, he received the Living Jazz Legend award from the Living Legend Foundation and the Duke Ellington Society in Los Angeles.
Five days after LeCompte died, his mother, Helen, passed away. He was predeceased by his father, Henry; his sister, Jeanne; and his nephew, Marty. He is survived by his wife, Donna; Donna’s daughter, Tara; his siblings Loy (Brenda), Rosemary (Daniel McElhatton), Paul, Fran (Deb), Michael (Michelle) and Joe; and 17 nieces and nephews and 24 great-nieces and nephews.
Tribute gifts in his memory may be made to City of Hope Duarte — Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010. ••
