In memory of Steve Reid, the legendary jazz drummer whose prolific career included working with James Brown, Miles Davis, and Kieran Hebden, among others, before passing away last year, BBC Radio DJ/Brownswood head honcho Gilles Peterson has founded the Steve Reid Foundation. The foundation aims “to fund raise on behalf of struggling musicians in need of help and support,” which has particular relevance to Reid as last April he succumbed to a throat cancer that went untreated due to the artist’s lack of funds to receive necessary medical assistance. Moved by these unfortunate circumstances, Peterson has established the foundation and already has a set of fundraising events planned, including running in the London Marathon on April 17 on behalf of the foundation. For now, as the organization applies for charitable status, all funds raised by Peterson’s running in the marathon will be donated to the Musicians Benevolent Fund, which aids “the plight of struggling musicians, especially those with long-term and life- threatening health problems.” You can donate to Peterson’s marathon effort here.

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