By Marc Loison 
A discreet yet essential figure of blues in France, Jean-Pierre Vignola has passed away at the age of 76. A programmer, a mentor and a living memory of this music, he devoted more than fifty years to keeping blues and jazz alive, alongside both legendary artists and emerging talents. Marc Loison pays tribute to him.
Despite recurring health issues and a bad fall last autumn, followed by hospitalization, it came as a shock to learn of the passing of Jean-Pierre Vignola at the age of 76.
He was a master to us all when it came to understanding blues “from the inside”, with more than 50 years of touring, concert organizing, memories, and shared experiences with artists from the Black and Blue label, tours organized by Didier Tricard, the Jazz à Vienne festival which he helped initiate as early as 1980, the Méridien – Jazz Club Étoile, the Blues sur Seine festival…
A companion to countless artists of yesterday and today, he was familiar with Les McCann, Etta James, Oscar Peterson, T-Bone Walker, Count Basie, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Memphis Slim, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and all the heroes of the past.
Active until the very end, Jean-Pierre Vignola was endlessly curious about both the French and international scenes, and his favorites regularly found their way into his many programming choices. His kindness, generosity, and humility commanded respect. Never short of anecdotes, he knew how to share them in subtle ways, without ever putting himself forward.
Constantly driven by projects and a vision for the future, a discoverer of artists, a transmitter of music, and a facilitator of careers, he earned the appreciation and respect of all.
Rest in peace, Jean-Pierre. You will now be able to see them all again, playing and sharing moments together in the paradise of blues, jazz, and rock’n’roll.
