I worked with Leighton Kerner for six years at the Village Voice in New York, back in the early ‘80s. And I want to add my voice to those who mourn his passing. As everyone so rightly said, he loved music—loved it with everything he had. He never seemed to get jaded, or overloaded. He was always out there, always going to performances, always excited.
And his reviews showed his enthusiasm. I can’t remember him ever being harsh, even if he hadn’t liked something he heard. And when he liked it, he was generous and grateful. I remember one review of a concert by the American Composers Orchestra. Leighton loved it so much that he printed the name of every musician who had played that night. Which of us, among critics, has ever shown such gratitude and love? May he rest in peace. He had a full, rich life.