I am so saddened to hear of this loss to our community. Though I had only met him briefly, during one of the many 52nd St. Project projects, I know that Rusty was such a loved and talented person. My heartfelt thoughts are with Allison, his son, and his family.
Lori

my heart just broke a little...
Love to Alison and the Magees from fellow ASCAP composer, Brown grad, and buddy, Jono

Rusty,
Thank you so much for the times you stopped by our show, sat down at the piano, and filled the room with your magic. I feel very lucky to have worked with you.
Love and Peace,
Darcy

Dear Alison and Family,
I can only express my deepest sorrow and my deepest gratitude. Graditude at how very bless we all have been to be touched be such a beautiful man. He had a gift to make all who he met feel as if they were all a part of a very special moment. And indeed we were. He will never be gone.
Alison he is the smile on you lips, the tickle on your neck, and the whistle in the breeze.
My prayers are with you and all your loved ones.

It was just today that I heard that Rusty had died. I watched as many of his performances at Moonwork as I could attend over the last 10+ years. His warmth and humor and incredible improvisation always made me not only smile, it made me cheer for him. So many nights at the end of Moonwork which was capped by his incredible connection to the crowd, people couldn't stop clapping. He knew how to connect with people and to bring them to their feet in applause. He got us to sing along with him, to laugh with him, and when things were very sad in NY, I felt so comforted by his performance and the way he made us aware of being a community. He really brought people together. Rusty was a constistent, cheering, and comforting person and I will truly miss him.

I did talk to him and got to know him a little over the years but I can't say we were friends. I wish I could. I would be so proud to say that he counted me as a friend. I was just one of his fans. But I was a very loyal fan and I will never forget him.

Rusty, guys like you make this life fun.
Thinking of you,

Andy Davis

I went to the hospital to visit rusty on Thursday, February 6, 2003. The door to Rusty's room was closed, but I walked in anyway. I didn't realize he had a visiting waiting room full of people already waiting to see him.
I walked in, and rusty said, "Hello Michael", without missing a beat. His nurse was feeding him a sandwich. I realized that since I was leaving town the next day for three weeks, this was probably my last visit with Rusty. A couple of other people entered the room, and sat down. I stood against the wall, not really knowing what to say. i just wanted to be in the room. After some talking with the other people, rusty asked, "Michael , are you having a good time?" I was blown away that he was concerned about me and my feelings when he was lying in the bed so sick.
Rusty Magee was such a life force of talent, energy, and forward motion. He was so happy on the Sweet Appreciation night. Alison is a genius for putting that together at a time when Rusty could have a blast and sit at the piano and crack everyone up for an hour.
We are all so lucky to have had Rusty with us while we did, and I know he'll live on in the minds of the living forever.

Dear Alison and family,
I just learned about Rusty - my God, what a loss, and my deep condolences. What a great man to know and work with. Looking over during some performance and seeing the ray Charles shoulder swagger - that was the first time I realized that he was beyond great and talented.
I will miss his uniqueness, and am thankful I had the honor of trying to keep up with his great talent in all circumstances.

Love,

John Foley

To Rusty and family,
A sweet, wonderful presence. A spirit-full and loving man. My luck and honor to have known and worked with him. I am the better for it. My love and prayers to you all.

always,
Dale

Dear Alison and Nat and family,
I and my family add our names to the thousands of people who will miss the delightful, unique Rusty Magee. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences.
Love from Madeline Lee Gilford and family