Jazz Icon and Chicago Festival Founder Geraldine de Haas Dies at 91

Geraldine de Haas, a vibrant jazz singer and pioneering Chicago impresario, passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 91. As a member of the renowned group Andy and The Bey Sisters, she blended jazz, gospel, and soul, foreshadowing later ensembles like The Manhattan Transfer. After the group disbanded, de Haas moved to Chicago with her husband, bassist Edgar de Haas, and became a tireless advocate for jazz, producing the influential Duke Ellington tribute in Grant Park in 1974, which evolved into the Chicago Jazz Festival. She founded Jazz Unites, Inc., served as Director of Performing Arts at the Illinois Arts Council, and mentored countless artists, including Grammy winner Kurt Elling and vocalist Tammy McCann. Her legacy is celebrated for exposing jazz to diverse audiences and nurturing the genre's future. She is survived by her children, Darius and Aisha de Haas, and her memory will be honored with a celebration of life.

De Haas's impact extended beyond performance; she was a catalyst for community and cultural growth. As Howard Reich noted, her efforts made the Chicago Jazz Festival possible, and her leadership inspired others. Her recordings with her siblings remain essential listening for jazz enthusiasts. De Haas's dedication to bringing "the best of the world to our community" was her driving force. Her life's work reminds us of the power of music to unite and elevate, and her influence will resonate for generations. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit lives on in the vibrant jazz scene she helped nurture.