Renowned Montana Pianist Philip Aaberg Passes After Illness

In the early years of my broadcasting career, and as a music director, I came across Philip Aaberg's music through label promoters.  Even though we didn't necessarily play the genre, they still wanted stations across the country to hear it.

I'm glad I did.  And years later, the opportunity to meet and hear him in person made it that much more special.  Even my grandson had that opportunity to sit and play for Mr. Aaberg, and chat styles and music just last year.  I'm thankful he did, as now those keys are silent forever in Chester, Montana.

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World Renowned Montana Pianist Phillip Aaberg Dies After Illness

This past Memorial weekend, Montana and the world received news that the renowned pianist had passed while receiving medical care in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Through his music publishing company Sweetgrass Music, the release stated that:

Phil passed peacefully Saturday evening surrounded by Patty, his sons Jake and Michael and his brother Steve.  Listen to his music, cast a line, and continue to share your favorite Phil stories.

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Since early spring Aaberg has been receiving cancer treatment at the facility in Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.  He had been scheduled to return home later this summer after treatments.  However, earlier this month, it was announced he was in the ICU with severe pneumonia.

Incredible Music Career Began in Chester, Montana with Famous Stops on the Way

Philip Aaberg grew up in Chester, Montana and began playing music at an early age, even performing in bands at age 14.  He received the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Scholarship to Harvard and moved to California upon graduation.

Aaberg is most famously known as a solo pianist/composer but also has played with several large names including piano on Elvin Bishop's hit "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" and also with Peter Gabriel and the Doobie Brothers.  No services have been announced as of our article first posting.