asudan wrote:

05:23 PM, Jul 17, 2009

Sherman was a close friend and one of the most amazing and generous people I will ever meet. He will be missed by many, many friends and will always be in our hearts. Sherman's contribution to society is immeasurable. His battle with cancer went "12 rounds" and Sherman put up a hell of a fight. Sherman is in a better place now, probably hanging out with Tony and Miles. I love you, babe!

- Dan

NelsonMuntz wrote:

05:40 PM, Jul 17, 2009

Mr Darby was the best and always made sure everyone got to meet BB KING and receive autographs.

Trainarollin wrote:

08:06 PM, Jul 17, 2009

Sherman was a great guy. One of the better tour managers.  Can't say the same for BB's personal assistant Norman Matthews. A lot of promoters will not book BB beacuse of Norman's arrogance and just plain meaness.

MarioD wrote:

07:00 PM, Jul 18, 2009

Sherman was one of the most amazing people i have ever met, he has seen the world more than once,had more knowledge about jazz music than almost anyone,  as well as one of the biggest collections of jazz music i have ever seen. I will miss just sitting with him at his house listening to jazz as well as his endless stories about all the jazz greats he has spent time with.I am grateful to have known him and i cant say that about to many people.I will miss you very much,thank you for the time you spent with me. love you Sherm.

Robinhersh wrote:

07:28 PM, Jul 18, 2009

Though I only met Sherman a couple of years ago, he grew close to my heart . I was lucky enough to help him thru parts of his battle and was more than happy to do it. He was kind and interesting and really loved to help people but his greatest quality was his generosity whether it was sharing his life stories, his knowledge or financially he'd never let you do any thing for him without showing you how much he appreciated it. When he called and asked you to do something you really knew he needed it . I was honored to be by his side at the end of his journey. Love you babe!

antibes wrote:

05:14 AM, Jul 19, 2009

To Sherman Darby's family and numerous friends.

The first time I met Sherman, it was in Antibes in 1990 during the summer. I used to work there as a musician.

As everybody knows, it's after hours that the musicians have their best moments and play the music they really love. After midnight we used to meet at a bar Boulevard d'Aguillon to play freely. That year a thin tall man was here every night, alone at a table, having ice cool beers. I don't remember how him and I started to join our glasses of beer but what I know is that two music lovers had met. Day after day life was goin'on but the thin tall man was no longer alone.

Knowing almost nothing one about the other we however soon became friends, maybe as says the french philosopher Montaigne : "...because it was him, because it was me...."

After a few weeks, I could inderstand that it was difficult for him to stay here longer without a job. (At this time, I didn't know that he had been working with Sarah Vaughan, who died a few months before.)

For the pleasure to have him with me more than a few hours late at night, I suggested him to stay with me in my summer flat. He accepted and so he could stay a little bit longer in Antibes which he loved so much.

One day he said to me I must go back to US but give me your address in Lyon and the phone number where I can join you.

Autumn, winter, spring, then summer, I was back to Antibes and one morning there was a message form me at our favorite bar. "Gilbert, I'm on july the 19th in Nice with BBKing, please come, BB and I we invite you.

Since 1991, I always met him each time he was in France; received backstage as if I were a VIP(what fortunatly I am not)

This was Sherman. The last time I met him in Vienne (2006) I was there with my daughter Margaux who, at this time was 11 years old and it was the first time they met. As you can imagine he was very busy, however he did all what he could (and more) to please this young girl.

This was Sherman.

He was a true believer, so he is in peace now, but we regret that the Lord who is sure to meet all of us one day; could be so hurried to have him by his side.

Sincères condoléances à vous tous qui l'aimiez.

Gilbert RAPATEL

PS Could someone lay a little flower on his grave, from his friend Gilbert.

Thank you

amtrakjanet wrote:

10:10 AM, Jul 25, 2009

this is truly hard to believe.  I'm still reeling at the passing of Penne Morris, and now this.  May the love of God surround all of you at this time.  

Phillip Kafka wrote:

02:24 PM, Aug 03, 2009

Sherman and I had been close friends for 45 years.  It's near impossible for me to believe that he's gone.  I still expect him to call and ask me a question or tell me somthing.  They way we would laugh about things...  Sherman difined the word gentlemen for me: Someone who makes others comfortable. And I'd like to add that he fit the old saying: The greatest crown a man can wear is that of his good name.

phillipkafka

as wrote:

11:03 PM, Aug 03, 2009

I am with you all.  I can’t help but think about Sherman and Penne who passed away recently and miss them greatly.

I did not know Mr. Darby’s personal life, but he was one of the kindest and warmest people I ever met.  As some people wrote, he was always there for someone like me and willing to help.  I called his cell phone from time to time asking questions and he was always helpful.  Even when he was getting treatment he kindly took a call.  I wish I could have done something for him.  All I could do was pray for his health.  I am most grateful and thankful for all the kindness and help he provided.  

I wanted to visit and pay respect to Mr. Darby’s grave site also.  I heard there is no grave site for him as he was cremated and they will spread his ashes in his honor.  I am certain however he will live in our hearts forever.

Uncle Fester wrote:

06:45 AM, Aug 04, 2009

i had the pleasure of touring with Sherman on various UK & Irish tours back in 1997 thru 2001. A true gent who will be sadly missed.  

Tommy P wrote:

05:23 PM, Aug 06, 2009

Sherman old friend, although we knew the end was approaching, it just seems so surreal, nearly a third of a lifetime just is not enough; we were supposed to grow old together.

 From that first backstage meeting at Pine Knob, Gladys and I knew we had just met a special friend.

 All those stolen hours with you, over the years, at venues across Michigan were each renewals of friendship. They also allowed us looks into your work life and the people you loved so much, that were a part of it. Mostly we respected the integrity with which you executed your responsibilities and dealt with people.

 But oh Arizona, once Gladys and Rachel moved you from the Big Apple to Tempe we got to enjoy a Sherman that was off the clock, unless something for BB or the band came up. This fierce loyalty to BB was to come back to you in spades. Gladys and I thank BB for this and will always love him for it.

 Whether racing down the mountain from the Grand Canyon or Jimmy showing us a tour bus has no sensation of speed at 90 miles an hour, on the way to Tombstone, the road trips were fun.

 The Paradise Bar and Grill, rib nights at Honey Bears or chicken fried steak at Bill Johnson's Big Apple were some of the simple pleasures we never got tired of. Losing the Paradise to fire was a little traumatic, but it was easily replaced with a number of establishments in Tempe even after you moved to Gilbert. I suspect the coeds may have had something to do with this.

 The private times together at your place trumped all of the above. Whether trying to bbq something new or just eating strawberries and beer on the patio we all could sit in silence secure in the mutual respect and love we had in one another.

Thank you for being you!

                                                                               As always,

                                                                                love you Sherman.

                                                                                 Tom Parker

Tommy P wrote:

05:24 PM, Aug 06, 2009

Sherman old friend, although we knew the end was approaching, it just seems so surreal, nearly a third of a lifetime just is not enough; we were supposed to grow old together.

 From that first backstage meeting at Pine Knob, Gladys and I knew we had just met a special friend.

 All those stolen hours with you, over the years, at venues across Michigan were each renewals of friendship. They also allowed us looks into your work life and the people you loved so much, that were a part of it. Mostly we respected the integrity with which you executed your responsibilities and dealt with people.

 But oh Arizona, once Gladys and Rachel moved you from the Big Apple to Tempe we got to enjoy a Sherman that was off the clock, unless something for BB or the band came up. This fierce loyalty to BB was to come back to you in spades. Gladys and I thank BB for this and will always love him for it.

 Whether racing down the mountain from the Grand Canyon or Jimmy showing us a tour bus has no sensation of speed at 90 miles an hour, on the way to Tombstone, the road trips were fun.

 The Paradise Bar and Grill, rib nights at Honey Bears or chicken fried steak at Bill Johnson's Big Apple were some of the simple pleasures we never got tired of. Losing the Paradise to fire was a little traumatic, but it was easily replaced with a number of establishments in Tempe even after you moved to Gilbert. I suspect the coeds may have had something to do with this.

 The private times together at your place trumped all of the above. Whether trying to bbq something new or just eating strawberries and beer on the patio we all could sit in silence secure in the mutual respect and love we had in one another.

Thank you for being you!

                                                                               As always,

                                                                                love you Sherman.

                                                                                 Tom Parker