Donald Abrams

June 28, 1944 – June 23, 2025

Donald Abrams, a gifted musician, songwriter, author, devoted teacher, and gentle spirit, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California.  Born on June 28, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Don was adopted by Bertha and Burton Abrams and grew up in Highland/New Paltz, NY. Though his early life held many unanswered questions, at 19 he reconnected with his beloved biological mother, Beatrice “Bea” Rhoades, a reunion that brought him deep meaning.

Don’s life was woven through with music. Drums were his first love, but he was equally at home at the piano or with a guitar in hand. In the 1960s, he and his friends formed The Del-Vons, a band that marked the start of decades of musical creativity. He later played in the bands Don & Ron, a new version of The Del-Vons, Leftcadius Burnbuckle, and Down Home. Determined to be part of music history, he made it to Woodstock in his “psychedelic VW van.” Don would then go on to play in Jesse Winchester’s touring band and on his second album. It was during these years that Don began writing songs. After touring, Don went on to earn a degree in Music Therapy. Among his many endeavors were “My Baby’s Grand” and “The Musical Rainbow Story.” Both these projects incorporated a musical color coding concept that Don created to help children learn and easily play musical melodies. He remained passionately committed to these works until his final days.

In the 1980s, after a music therapy internship in Pennsylvania, he “followed a girl” and his spirit of adventure west to California, settling in Hermosa Beach. There, he built a life rich with music, good food, laughter, and a wide circle of friends who became his chosen family. He was a lover of stories—whether those of Sherlock Holmes, whose society he joined locally, or the writings and paintings of Winston Churchill, which inspired him deeply. He was also a lifelong fan of the Dodgers. Even in his final days, he didn’t miss a game.

Don’s greatest musical inspirations were Jesse Winchester, Johnnie Johnson, Larry Knechtel, Ray Colcord and Frederic Chopin. He was such a fan of Johnnie Johnson (his first introduction to Boogie), that Don was instrumental in getting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to add the category “Sidemen” in 2000 - this category honors session musicians and live performers who often went uncredited for their contributions to the music. Johnnie Johnson was one of the first recipients.

Don will be remembered for his kindness, his genuine curiosity and unique way of thinking, and his gift for making people feel seen and heard. Those who knew him spoke of a man who never forgot a birthday, who always took the time to truly listen, and whose sweetness left a lasting mark.

He is survived by his daughter Julie and her husband Phil, and by his three grandsons: Harry, Jordan, and Zachariah and grand-daughter in-law, Elizabeth. He is also survived by several cousins and countless friends.

When his mother passed, Don wrote words that speak beautifully to his own transition:

“When my Mother returned in transition to the one, I knew the sun’s radiant glory would purify her soul, exalt her work on Earth. Praise be to joy which lifteth the human spirit. Above sorrow in its endless trials, love will help us transcend all pain.”

And he left this reminder for us all:

“Here & Now:

Regret is always in the past—leave it there.

Fear is always in the future—erase those projections.

Life is always now—enjoy it if you dare!”

To Heidi, Ron, Carol, Bill, Gene, Shelly, and all those who stood beside him, your love and support in his final days were a profound comfort to both him and his family.

If you wish to honor Don’s memory, he would want nothing more than for you to help a child—bring light to a young person’s life or give the gift of music to a child in need.

He was truly one of a kind, and his melody will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

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