Joseph P. Daley

Joseph Peter Daley, 75, passed away on August 3, 2025, in Hackensack, New Jersey. A gifted musician, composer, and educator whose influence spanned generations and genres, Joe leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and personal warmth that touched countless lives.

Born on August 6, 1949, in New York City to parents John Joseph Daley and Margaret Ann Daley (née O'Garro), proud immigrants of the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

Joseph's musical journey began early. He graduated from The High School of Music & Art in 1967 and continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Performance in 1972 and a Master's degree in Music Education in 1973. These formative years laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would bridge education and performance at the highest levels.

Joe began his professional life as an educator with the New York City Board of Education from 1972 to 1976. He served as Band Director at Wadleigh Junior High School 88 in Harlem and as associate director of the Manhattan Borough-Wide Band. In 1976, he joined the Englewood New Jersey Board of Education, where he taught music and directed bands at Janis Dismus Middle School and Dwight Morrow High School until his retirement in 2005. Throughout his teaching career, Joe was a beacon for his students—encouraging creativity, discipline, and joy through music.

Even before his formal teaching career began, Joe had already made his mark on the New York City Latin music scene during his high school years. He performed alongside such luminaries as Rene McLean, Monquito Santamaria, Andy Gonzalez, Jerry Gonzalez, and Alex Blake. His versatility and deep musicality made him a sought-after collaborator across genres.

Over five decades, Joe became known as one of the consummate sidemen in adventurous music circles. He performed with jazz legends including Cecil Taylor, Anthony Braxton, Bill Dixon, Craig Harris, Bill Cole, Sam Rivers, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, and Muhal Richard Abrams—among many others. His collaborations extended beyond jazz to include artists such as Taj Mahal, Jayne Cortez, Natalie Merchant, Kronos String Quartet, Gangbe Brass Band of Benin, and Tuvan throat-singing groups Huun Huur Tu and the Alash Ensemble.

In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Joseph Daley emerged as one of contemporary music's most visionary composers and bandleaders. His groundbreaking 2011 release The Seven Deadly Sins—featuring his Earth Tones Ensemble—was hailed by critics and fans alike for its innovation and depth. This full jazz orchestra project received rave reviews and appeared on several Best of Year lists for its bold musical language reminiscent of Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington.

He followed this success with The Seven Heavenly Virtues in 2013 (partially funded by New Music USA), Portraits: Wind, Thunder and Love in 2014—which included the suite Wispercussion: Five Portraits of Warren Smith—and in 2019 released Sins and Virtues, combining both earlier works into one powerful collection.

His smaller ensemble work was equally acclaimed; The Tuba Trio Chronicles (2015), dedicated to mentor Sam Rivers with whom he had toured extensively in the '70s and '80s as part of Rivers' Tuba Trio, further cemented Joe's reputation as a leader with a unique voice.

Joe was also a founding member of Hazmat Modine—an eclectic ensemble under Wade Schuman—and performed with groups such as Howard Johnson and GRAVITY, Liberation Music Orchestra, Ebony Brass Quintet, Far East Side Band, and Earth Tones Ensemble.

His contributions were recognized through fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the MacDowell Colony, Music Omi, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. He received commissions from organizations including the Tri-Centric Foundation and Dance Clarinet Ensemble through Brooklyn Council on the Arts.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph cherished time with his family—especially his grandson Wynton—with whom he enjoyed bike rides and watching television and films. At home in Pennsylvania, he found peace tinkering with household projects, tending to his yard, or walking quietly through nature.

Joseph is survived by his son Christopher Daley; daughter Devorah Daley; grandson Wynton Daley; brother Nimrod Daley; along with many nieces and nephews who will carry forward his memory. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Wanda Daley (née Smith); sister Evelyn Kirnon; brothers Irod Daley, Winston Daley, and Benjamin Daley; mother-in-law Dorothy Haskett; and sister-in-law Winifred Brent.

A humble spirit with boundless talent and generosity of heart, Joseph Peter Daley enriched every community he touched—with music that challenged boundaries and teaching that inspired growth. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him—and may his music continue to resonate for generations to come.

A repast will follow for family and close friends.