With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr Rodger Fox on Monday 27th May 2024, following a brief illness.  

New Zealand’s foremost jazz trombonist, big band maestro, jazz educator, arranger and producer, he has performed in concert with some of the biggest names in the business, from the jazz and entertainment world, promoted live concerts with his Big Band in the Global Festival arena and worked tirelessly over many years promoting jazz in New Zealand.

In 2023 the Rodger Fox Big Band celebrated its 50th Anniversary and in his usual style, Rodger planned an ambitious year of concerts concluding with a USA tour in January 2024.

In the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), for services to music, and he was conferred with an honorary doctorate (DMus) by Massey University in 2005. In the 2022 New Year Honours list, Rodger was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), for services to music.

A great friend, fellow musician and mentor to many, Rodger is the loved son of the late Louis and Betty Fox, much loved partner of Erna, father of Kerryann and forever loved brother of Tony, Margy, Elizabeth, Christopher and Felicity and their families - to us, he is the person we got to relax with in his rare off-duty moments and he is and always will be our icon - his legacy is immeasurable -  we have such great pride in his lifetime of performance, mentoring and education and the many tributes and recollections from friends and musicians is a reflection of the lives he has touched.

Rodger with a D, we’re sure there’ll be a hang to enjoy, as you join other illustrious cats waiting for you on the other side and continue to make great music.  
The Rodger Fox Big Band is scheduled to perform next Saturday (1 June 2024) at the gala concert of the Manawatu Jazz and Blues Festival – Rodger expected the show to go on – and it will.