Shock, disbelief, fear, numbness are all words that describe an initial reaction to a cancer diagnosis.
Cleve Eaton’s music has touched people around the world. This how his music is touching him in a way that brings peace during the most difficult time of his life...it's how he's putting his faith in action.
Count Basies bassist, one of the Ramsey Lewis Trio and creator of the Bama Boogie Woogie, Cleveland Eaton is a jazz icon who has traveled the world doing what he loves.
“I haven't missed a gig in 53 years. Missed one last year…my wife made me stay home with the flu. Been all over the world many times," said Eaton.
And if this hall of fame jazz bassist can help it, he'll continue his regular gigs, like the Wednesday night jam session in mountain brook we met up with him at…despite his recent diagnosis of oral cancer.
"We put him on what we call a fast track. I saw him one day, tried to operate on him and have every doctor that he needed to see within a site of three to five days," said Dr. Ross Gardner, and ear, nose and throat specialist.
“They told me it would be five to six weeks, one chemo a week, radiation five days a week. I got the main three hours the first day and I went to work," said Eaton.
His bass is his balm; a soothing force in the discord cancer has created in his life.
"Music with me I don't feel nothing. I don't even think about it, especially while I'm playing," said Eaton.
Music has always been a part of Eaton’s life. He plays it, writes it, and lives it, but there's something else that fuels his fight against cancer.
"First thing…I give all my problems to Jesus, and I've been doing that a long time. Therefore I haven't had the stress to build up on me because as the stress came, I talked to Him about it and He clears it up every time. It's been many, many times. He has come through for me," said Eaton.
Fellow musicians are helping out in ways that have amazed Cleve Eaton, from getting him free dentures to playing benefit concerts.
"Thanks for all the attention people are giving it, the cancer thing and keeping my spirits built up,” said Eaton.
For a man who has no medical insurance in the fight of his life: this is faith in action.
Musicians from around The Magic City have rallied together to put on a benefit for Cleve Eaton. It will be March 28 at the Open Door Cafe' in Mountain Brook. Eight bands will be donating their time to help raise money for Eaton's medical costs. Cleve Eaton will perform from 6:30 till 8pm.
