Rick Haydon, 1950–2026; Professor Emeritus and First Graduate of SIUE Jazz Studies Program

Rick Haydon, 1950-2026; Professor Emeritus and First Graduate of SIUE Jazz Studies Program

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville professor emeritus, jazz guitarist, recording artist and beloved colleague Rick Haydon died on Sunday, Jan. 11. He was 75.

An SIUE alumnus ('82, '87), Haydon was the first to graduate from SIUE's newly created Jazz Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences. He began his career at SIUE in 1982 in the Department of Music as head of the guitar program and recording studio. He served as the director of Jazz Studies from 2012 until retirement, after which he continued to teach as an adjunct professor. Beyond the classroom, Haydon continued to support budding artists while managing the school's recording studio.

"Rick Haydon's passing is a profound loss for the Department of Music and the SIUE community. He was a devoted teacher, colleague, and a tireless advocate for our students. His impact on this department and the many lives he has touched will be felt for years to come," said Marc Schapman, DMA, professor of voice and chair of the Department of Music.

Haydon himself was a dedicated student, studying with master guitarists such as Johnny Smith, Howard Roberts and Pat Martino. The influence of jazz great Bucky Pizzarelli is evident in Haydon's mastery of the 7-string guitar. It was with Pizzarelli that Haydon performed before a sold-out concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis in November of 1998.

Most notably, due to Haydon's personal and musical relationship with the Pizzarelli family, Bucky Pizzarelli donated several of his guitars to the University. The guitars were used during several historic jazz and pop recording sessions. Although quite valuable, the sentiment was that they were meant to be played, which allowed SIUE students to be given careful access.

The current director of Jazz Studies and associate professor in the Department of Music, saxophonist Jason Swagler recalled, "Rick Haydon's impact on the SIUE jazz program is immense and even physically tangible. The unique layout of the rehearsal spaces and recording studio in Dunham Hall's 1995 music addition reflects his vision. His work extended well beyond campus through performances, music camps, festivals, and clinics. Thousands of students, including me, have felt his influence. And yes, he played a mean guitar."

With a career spanning nearly 60 years, Haydon's notable appearances on stage included the 1996 appearance with Herb Ellis and Mundell Lowe during the Guitar Foundation of America International Guitar Convention, playing as a featured guest artist at the 2002 Quad City Jazz Festival along with Mulgrew Miller, and performing in 2004 with John Pizzarelli at the Classic American Guitar Show in Long Island, N.Y. as part of the Jazz Cabaret Series.

During that same year, Haydon received the 2004 Woody Herman Award from the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin.

Haydon spent summers on the faculties of Jazz at Lincoln Center Band Director Academy and the Birch Creek Music Center. Additionally, he served as a clinician for The Essentially Ellington Organization.

In 2006, Haydon released a recording titled Rick Haydon and John Pizzarelli "Just Friends" for Mel Bay Records that reached No. 15 on the Jazz Week Top 100 charts. In 2010, Haydon released the CD "4" on Jazz Compass with Clay Jenkins, Gary Hobbs and Reggie Thomas. In 2021, he was mixing engineer and co-producer of John Pizzarelli's album "Better Days Ahead."

John Pizzarelli shared memories of Haydon on social media: "We called him MacGyver. He could fix anything with a piece of gum, a rubber band, and a toothpick. His students called him teacher. He SO communicated the beauty of the guitar and all it could do with ease and delight! His family called him Dad; the meals, the talks, the smiles and reassurances he provided were perfection. He was a husband for 50 years. There wasn't a moment he did not love his wife, right down to the Saturday lunches never missed at 'their place.' I was lucky enough to call him friend. He taught me how to string up my guitar and to pay attention to it. He wanted to make it simple for me in care and execution. He made me dinner-took me to Steak n Shake, O'Connell's in St Louis with Bill Moll and dear Maddie Dames. Etc etc etc- I don't think I could ever be such a friend on a 'Haydonian' level to anyone. Rick Haydon was special and now he's gone. I just don't know what to do."

In February 2025, SIUE Jazz Studies honored Haydon with the inaugural Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award, an honor recognizing an alumnus who has distinguished themselves through musical excellence and the creative values upheld within SIUE's jazz program. The award included an unveiling of a commemorative plaque, featuring his name in the first engraved slot and on display in SIUE's Jazz Studies Department.

One of Haydon's final performances on campus was the November 20 Jazzathon live performance and fundraiser for SIUE's heritage radio station, WSIE 88.7 The Sound.

WSIE General Manager Jason Church shared his thoughts on Haydon's legacy: "Rick impacted many lives ... not only through his expert-level musicianship, but also through mentoring an entire generation of expert-level musicians. He loved WSIE and was always willing to do anything within his power to help elevate this radio station. Rick is respected throughout our community and he will be sorely missed."

Bob Bennett, former artistic director and director of operations of Jazz St. Louis, and former WSIE engineer for legendary radio personality Leo Chears said, "Rick Haydon was someone whose impact was so enormous, it will carry on for generations to come. Through his teaching, his music, and his love of life, he made this world a better and much hipper place. At schools and universities across the country, not just in St. Louis, Rick's former students are carrying on his legacy. They didn't just break the mold when they made Rick Haydon, they broke the whole factory. We are all eternally grateful he was part of our lives."

Dave Dickey of the Dave Dickey Big Band shared, "Rick Haydon was such a well-known and respected guitarist and educator, but maybe even more known for being such a beautiful person. Rick made EVERYONE smile when he walked into the room. He also had one of the best laughs I have ever heard. Rick was an amazing storyteller and joke teller.

I'm thankful Rick was in my Dave Dickey Big Band, and I also worked with him in many other bands. He was the definition of swing. One of the best at the Freddie Green style rhythm guitarists. Rick was also a master clinician working with middle school to college jazz ensembles. I always learned from watching and listening to him talk to rhythm sections of all levels and he always knew how to fix their issues. There will never be another like Rick Haydon. He is greatly missed. What I would give to hear his awesome laugh again."

The accomplished performer and educator was scheduled to teach private applied jazz guitar during the 2026 spring semester but passed away the day before classes began.

Funeral arrangements may be found at Irwin Chapel of Glen Carbon.

Haydon is survived by family, a community of SIUE students, colleagues and friends.

PHOTO: Rick Haydon; Haydon on the commemorative plaque representing the inaugural Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award; Trumpeter Jim Manley, WSIE 88.7 The Sound General Manager Jason Church, Haydon and former WSIE volunteer Kayci Combs-Lueker ('03) at WSIE studios