Charles Ross ‘Charlie’ DeVore: trumpeter Charlie DeVore at age 89: Video, Photo

DeVore, Charles Ross “Charlie” Jazz historian and musician, died peacefully on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the St. Anthony Park Home in St. Paul. Born January 1, 1933, to Beth and Dave DeVore.

Charlie was raised in South Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. Charlie went on to business school after graduating high school. After completing business school, Charlie signed up with the US Navy during the Korean War. Charlie was stationed first in Japan and later in New Orleans. It was his time in New Orleans that would set the trajectory for the rest of his life.

Charlie already had an interest in jazz, but while in New Orleans he fell in love with traditional New Orleans jazz and the musicians who played it. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Minnesota where he joined the Hall Brother’s Jazz Band. Charlie was a member of the Hall Brothers, playing his cornet, for decades. He also served as the front man for the band, which gave him the opportunity to share the history of this rich music, as well as his infamous puns.

Charlie was instrumental in bringing musicians from New Orleans to Minnesota and made regular trips back to the Crescent City. As a jazz historian, Charlie has always been willing to share his knowledge with others including the mentoring of countless young musicians. In addition, Charlie spent several years teaching jazz history as a section of a history class at the College of St. Catherine. Second to his love for New Orleans jazz, was his love of baseball.

Thanks to Charlie’s stepson, Peter, Charlie was able to make it to many of the Twins games over the years. If he wasn’t at a game, Charlie was watching it on TV. Charlie is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne, his sister Diane Larsen (Marvin), his parents, his loving grandmother, and several of his Hall Brother’s band mates. He is survived by his children; daughter, Shelly Foster (Arthur), Richfield MN; son, Chuck DeVore (Dovette), Blaine MN; stepchildren, Peter Johnson (Rebecca), St. Paul MN; Sarah Johnson (Russell Peterson), Maplewood MN; grandchildren, Alexis Cooper, Casey Cooper (Violet), Thomas DeVore (Sunni); step-grandchildren, Jessica Johnson (Peter Dieser), Kyle Wallace (Juliana), Chelsea Grinols (Justin), Noah Wallace (Johanna); niece, Jenny Larsen, nephews, John Larsen (Elisabeth Atherly-Larsen), and David Larsen (Jeanne); and his dear partner for many years, Mimi Berg. Charlie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Charlie, we will be listening for you playing your cornet from heaven. A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis. A private interment will precede the service.

The family thanks the caring staff at St. Anthony Park Home for the compassionate care Charlie received from them over the past year.