Ellington

It was a Tuesday morning, and I was performing my daily morning ritual before I headed to work —checking e-mail and Facebook—when I received a message from my good friend, J.C. May.

"Have you heard about Herman Snell?" the e-mail started off. "He passed away last night." I was saddened and shocked. The last time I talked to Herman was on Facebook. He joked with me about a picture I'd taken with some of his friends.

I met Herman in 2003, when I was first coming on to the Jackson music scene. He was such a nice guy, and I loved that I saw him at just about every show in Jackson. Until a month ago, I would pick up my JFP to see what picks Herman had for the upcoming weekend so I could plan accordingly. I thought about this as I drove to work the day my friend told me Herman had passed.

"What would Jackson do without Herman Snell?" I thought.

The next night, I was hosting singer-songwriters night at Hal and Mal's, and I saw Jackson Free Press Editor in Chief Donna Ladd and Publisher Todd Stauffer sitting at the bar. I said hello and told them how sorry I was to hear of Herman's death. Donna asked me if I knew anyone who would be interested in doing the JFP music listings.

"I'll do it!" I immediately said, even before I knew the details.

By Thursday, I'd met with the JFP staff, worked out details, got business cards and officially started my duties as the new music listings editor. While I'm over the moon about my new job (I've always wanted to be a music journalist), I hate the circumstances under which I'm getting my opportunity.

Everyone has been supportive of my new job and has offered me well wishes. But they never fail to say: "Natalie, you're gonna do great at the JFP, but you've got some big shoes to fill." If only I could collect a dollar for every time someone said that to me in the last week and a half.

But it's true. I know I have big shoes to fill. Herman's love for music was evident in his writing, his art and in him. He also loved this state, as evidenced by all of the Mississippians who posted condolences on his Facebook page, accompanied by others from across the world.

As I start this new venture, JFP readers, be patient. While my musical taste varies a little from Herman's (I love all types of music, except jazz), I hope "Natalie's Note" will be just as informative and entertaining as "Herman's Picks."

Music is the universal language, and that's what Herman and I had in common—especially homegrown Mississippi music.

When you have music news to report, e-mail me at [email protected]. As for jazz, if you can suggest CDs or local events I can attend to help me find an appreciation for it, suggest away. Even if I never fill the big shoes left by a musical listings great, I hope to at least leave a footprint.

The Herman Snell Memorial Concert is Sunday, Oct. 17, at Hal and Mal's from 3 to 7 p.m. to raise money for Herman's funeral expenses. The concert features live music and art. Admission is $10. Herman's family and friends are attending. Hope to see you there, too.