Dumpstaphunk bassist and beloved music scene veteran Nick Daniels III passed away Friday, April 26th.
Born July 2nd, 1955, he lived each day as a chance to bring a little funky sunshine into the world, and he took no static that stood in his way. He is survived by his wife, Marion, their children and grandbabies, and a whole world of grief-stricken music fans. Most known for his rubbery bass tone, his versatile talents as an instrumentalist and vocalist, and his hard-earned wisdom and worldview, his loss is a tremendous blow to music culture in New Orleans and abroad.
From the vocal groups he started in his teens through his nearly lifelong friendship with fellow Dumpstaphunk founder Ivan Neville and the Neville family in general (whose band, The Neville Brothers, featured Daniels for many years), every second onstage was a chance for Nick to do what he did best: elevate the groove. One-half of Dumpstaphunk’s storied two-man bass section (alongside fellow co-founder Tony Hall) Nick Daniels III made an impact onstage that equated to far more than a funky bass line in any tune he touched. He embodied the spirit of cooperation that art requires grow beyond the sum of its parts.
When Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home in his beloved New Orleans hometown, he relocated to Austin, TX, but the Crescent City was never replaced in his heart. His love of the culture, the New Orleans Saints, and the opportunity to get funky ’til dawn was always in his heart. Daniels may have physically left New Orleans, but his love was as constant as his rock-solid presence and the incalculable number of pockets he helped create.
While it’s impossible to sum up his impact on the scene, funk, and his family, it’s not an exaggeration to say that he was beloved by every band, club, venue, or family with whom he crossed paths. He had a propensity to speak his mind with intellect, grace, and conviction, and was always able to find a positive viewpoint or angle even in unfortunate situations.
We here at Live For Live Music have always had a particular love for Mr. Daniels and his efforts. Nick was always ready for a chat with our representatives, pose for our many photographers, or just offer a kind word for any coverage we gave Dumpsta or his vast number of side projects and one-offs.
We here at Live For Live Music wish to offer our deepest condolences to the many fans gathered in New Orleans for Jazz Fest, his friends and family around the world, and, if I may be so bold as to speak my own truth… the love and friendship he always showed me.
As Nick always said, “We gotta do it, ain’t nothin’ to it.”
Jam Cruise 2016: Nick Daniels Hosts The Jam Room