Memorial for Bernard J. Brausewetter
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Born in Plainfield, NJ on Sep. 10, 1954
Departed on Apr. 15, 2007 and resided in South Plainfield, NJ.
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| Visitation: |
Thursday, Apr. 19, 2007
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| Service: |
Friday, Apr. 20, 2007
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| Cemetery: |
Pending
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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BERNARD J. BRAUSEWETTER, 52, South Plainfield Musician
Bernard Brausewetter of South Plainfield died Sunday April 15 at Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ of complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. He was 52.
He was predeceased by his father, Bernard, who passed away in 1986.
Survivors include his mother, Norma, of South Plainfield and an aunt, Ruth Hebert of Thorofare, NJ.
Born Sept. 10, 1954, in Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, Bernie began playing guitar as a 7-year old. He graduated from South Plainfield High School. He was known to music fans around the Garden State as leader of a blues-rock trio, B.B. & The Stingers. The trio recorded several albums, including a self-titled debut album and “First Blues Band on Venus.” His albums got airplay in Germany, France, Switzerland and Scandinavian countries. His new CD has not yet been released
He moved to Ohio and played with Silverhoof around the Midwest in the early 1970’s, then returned to New Jersey. He formed his own trio, B.B. & The Stingers, in 1990, and frequented the Melody Bar and other New Brunswick-area venues. His guitar playing style was fluid and dynamic, and he always knew the importance of playing as part of an ensemble. He could play the most difficult classic rock guitar solos note for note, and he astonished his audiences with his fluidity and dexterity. In the 1990’s, he joined Glen Burtnik and Slaves of New Brunswick and always performed at Burtnik’s annual Christmas extravaganzas. He also was an integral part of Supreme Court with Nancy Swarbrick. More recently, he began playing with original E-Street Band drummer Vini Lopez in Steel Mill, playing early songs written by Bruce Springsteen.
He was a self-employed guitar teacher and performer. He worked teaching guitar students from his home in South Plainfield, which he shared with his mother after his father passed away. He enjoyed a great reputation as a teacher and performer and he had legions of students who came to him for guitar lessons.
He shared stages with Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer and dozens of other nationally known guitarists. He went to Memphis in 2003 and 2004 to compete in the International Blues Talent Competition representing the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation.
Unlike many other musicians, he took an active interest in what other bands were doing in clubs. On a bill with two or three other bands at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park or the Court Tavern in New Brunswick, he would always hang out after his set to hear another band or two before leaving.
“There’s always something new you can learn,” he would say, and he often said his decision to pursue guitar teaching from his home “was the best decision I ever made.” One of his protégés, Matt O’ Ree, has begun to make a name for himself nationally, playing in a similar blues-rock style.
He was an avid science fiction buff and enjoyed fishing when he wasn’t performing, practicing or teaching guitar.
A musical memorial service and a celebration of the life and music of Bernie Brausewetter is planned for coming months at a yet-to-be-determined venue. Fans and friends can point their web browser to B.B. and the Stingers.com to stay apprised of a planned musical memorial service.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 am at the South Plainfield James W. Conroy Funeral Home 2456 Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield NJ 908-756-2800, Visitation will be Thursday from 2 -4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery in Linden on Friday following the service. On-line condolencens www.southplainfieldfuneralhome.com.
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This Memorial Obituary provided by
South Plainfield Funeral Home
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