Gregory Carmouche

Gregory A. Carmouche, a Chicago native and long-time resident, left this earthly life on September 3, 2019. Gregory arrived on November 16, 1952, and was the sixth of seven children born to Cleveland and Murel (Jacobs) Carmouche. Gregory Carmouche was a youthful, passionate, accomplished musician who played professionally as a percussionist and as a band leader for over 40 years. As a musician, Greg toured the world with Curtis Mayfield and has worked with celebrated artists including Donny Hathaway, Ledisi, Maysa, Gerald Albright, Jean-Paul Bourelly, and many others. For the last 20 years he had been a steady band leader for the Afro-Caribbean jazz group currently known as Pa-Ti, which entertained crowds throughout the Chicago area. In the warmer months, you could find him bringing joy to the city by leading impromptu public jam sessions with fellow instrumentalists at Chicago's various parks and beaches, and he was a regular performer at 63rd Street Beach. Greg was well-known in the community as a genuine voice for the arts, positive thinking, and self-determination. When he was not playing music, Greg's work in the construction industry presented him the opportunity to contribute his energy and talents to a number of landmark buildings in the area. Greg will be sorely missed for his energy, humor, leadership, and passion for life, music, and family. Gregory was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Murel (Jacobs) Carmouche; brother Rhahim Khalil (Cleveland Carmouche Jr); sister Barbara Carmouche; and sister Patricia Carmouche, who transitioned six weeks prior to Gregory. He is survived by brother Allen Carmouche; sister Johnnie Carmouche; brother Reginald Carmouche; and several nieces and nephews whom he cherished like his own children. A memorial service will be held for Gregory and his sister Patricia at CB Taylor Funeral Home - located at 63 East 79th Street, Chicago, IL, 60619, on Saturday, Sept 21, 2019 from 1pm-4pm CDT. A musical celebration will be held at The Quarry Event Center, 2423 E. 75th St, Chicago, IL, 60649, from 7-9pm on Sunday, Sept 22, 2019. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to make a donation to either Matthew House Chicago (https://matthewhousechicago.org/donate/) ; or South Side Community Arts Center (http://www.sscartcenter.org/donate.html) ; or other South Side Chicago related charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.