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Remembering Leon Bates (November 3, 1949-November 21, 2025)

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler
Published November 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM EST

We were saddened to learn this weekend of the death of Leon Bates on Friday, at the age of 76. Tune in this afternoon as Foley pays tribute to the beloved American pianist with several of his performances from over the years.

Widely considered one of the finest pianists of his generation, Leon Bates was known for his exploration of the American piano repertoire, and for bringing a fresh approach to anything he performed. This afternoon, on Classical Music with Foley Schuler, we'll hear him bring his special touch to works by Gershwin and MacDowell, as well as a selection of the marvelous Children's Songs of Chick Corea. In the meantime, we offer this appreciation by Ethan Iverson and invite you to enjoy an interview with Leon Bates by Bruce Duffie.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler
Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 4 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.
See stories by Foley Schuler