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Richard Kermode
BMHOF Class of 2008
 Richard was one of the most respected musicians in Buffalo in the 1960’s – wanting to be a jazz player. When Richard left WNY in 1969 to take that immense talent to California as one of Buffalo’s premier jazz keyboardist, he had no way of knowing he would end up on multi platinum and gold albums as keyboardist
with both Janis Joplin, with whom he recorded “Kozmic Blues”, and with Carlos Santana. From his days at the Ontario House, Richard’s career took him to television appearances on Ed Sullivan, to Carnegie Hall, and to touring with the likes of Joplin, Santana, and Malo. He recorded with those stars as well as Patti LaBelle. He even experienced Woodstock first hand as keyboardist for Janis Joplin. He passed away in January of 1996 at the age of 49.
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Kathy Meer (Tolien)
Dick invited me to my first dance and gave me my first corsage in seventh grade. He was such a little gentleman. Check out his amazing biographical details:
musicminder.com/scripts/entertainers/displayentertainer.asp?=00042
He was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
Dick died of cancer in Colorado in January,1996 at age 49
An amazing talent, and a sensitive super guy...we miss you, Dick!
Ed Solomon
Still missing Dick: He was one of my best friends throughout high school and continued to be one of my closest friends after graduation. I often think of Dick, his sister and mom. He was a HS fraternity brother of mine. He has been and will continue to be missed. Dick and friends used to skip school and have jams sessions over my house.. guess that's where he learned to play the organ so well. Miss him.
Ed
Jim Hoefert
When Dick was playing with Carlos Santana they came to Buffalo and playd the Ralph. Jim Sommer, myself andseveral others went to the concert. Sommer got us back stage and we had a great time. Later Dick had a band called Samba America amd played at the Schuper House on Niagara St. on a Friday night. Jim Sommer, myself and Big Wheelie went to see them play. Dick put on a fabulous display of organ music that night. I think at that time Richard was very ill. That was the last time I saw Him. A great friend, Ihave your Santana Albums with the songs you wrote on them.
Molly Dibble (Anderson)
Impressive Dick, Impressive! http://www.allmusic.com/artist/richard-kermode-mn0000850028/credits
Dick Wightman
Wherever Dick is, you know there is a keyboard! RIP Dick!
Ed Batcho
Dick wrote in my Year Book; and I still can't recall how we met or how I knew him. This is so sad, I've been reading the obits and commentaries here on all our deceased classmates, some of whom made entries in my book, and only remember a handfull; yet I have over 60 entries in my Year Book. Some have made me cry others put a smile on my face. For my friends that I do remember and all the beautiful people of the class of '64 that have passed on RIP.
Robert Mioducki
I met Dick through his friendship with Joe Cormier. Joe knew that Jim Godry and I loved music, so Joe took over to his upstairs apartment one afternoon. Dick at the time had a very fine Gretsch guitar, which was his primary instrument, and also played a electric keyboard. When Jim and I heard Dick play the guitar that day, we were hooked! Dick saved his money from his gigs, and finally made his ultimate purchase - a Hammond B3 organ. To demonstrate his commitment to music, he'd practice his guitar throughout the night in his mother's car so he wouldn't disturb her or his sister's sleep. With the B3, he could use headphones and again, practice through the night. This cycle didn't help his grades, as he often skipped school to catch up on sleep. We know the rest - Janis Joplin, Santana, Malo (Georges Santana,, Carlos' brother). Whenever Jim Godry and I would show up at the Ontario House in NF, or wherever Dick was playing, he'd always play our favorite song next - Summertime. Bill Boyle and I saw Dick perform downtown at David's Table. Dick broke into Summertime when he saw us walk in. Even when I lived in California, I saw Dick play with Santana at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Dick was totally dedicate to his music, and the effort and perseverance resulted in his success. And as Kathy Meer noted, he was a gentleman, and just a real nice guy. Rest in Peace, our Friend.
Jim Godry
Thanks Bob for a terrific commentary on Dick. I also remember him as first a guitar player-not just ordinary but sensational. Then when he got his Hammond B3, one of his great songs was Summertime. He picked up the Jimmy Smith (legendary jazz organist who played from time to time at the Pine Grill on Jefferson) version which I loved and always asked him to play. He never hestiated to accommodate this request. I remember attending 2001: A Space Odyssey with him (don't recall who else was along for the ride) but it was a chemically enhanced experience which led us to conclude that the film was one of the greatest. That was in 1968 and in January, 1969 I moved to Los Angeles. I don't think I saw Dick again until 1973. That was the year I moved to San Francisco and while walking down California St. one night after work, I heard someone yell out my name. It was Dick, he was driving a Yellow cab and pulled over so we could catch up. We had a long and enjoyable conversation and exchanged phone numbers. He seemed to be in good health and good cheer. I called him a number of times but, sadly, never got a return call. My Mother, sent me his obituray at the time of his death so I knew of his premature passing. Rest in peace my friend.
Tom Lavin
I never knew Dick as a musician. He was a playmate of mine, as he lived next to my grandmother on Wabash. I'm sorry to hear of his early passing.
Kathy Meer (Tolien)
HERE IS A PHOTO OF DICK BACK IN THE DAY......