Noble laid to rest 'As the Saints Go Marching In'
By BOB KOSLOW
Staff Writer
Last update: 29 August 2004
DELAND -- Renowned blues and jazz saxophonist Noble "Thin Man" Watts was laid to rest Saturday afternoon with a service dedicated to his life rather than his passing Tuesday at age 78.
"We are gathered here for a home-going service for our brother Noble Watts. We come today to show our love and to just say so long for a little while to this esteemed musician, father and husband," said the Rev. Joyce Moore of the Bethel AME Church. "Today, we celebrate the life of an outstanding figure in the community."
Watts' life is well-documented. He was born in DeLand and developed his music skills at an early age. He played the violin and trumpet before attending Florida A&M University and was a founding member of the school's famous marching band.
He hurt his hip and returned to DeLand where his brother, David, showed him the saxophone. The instrument and Watts' talent entertained millions. He recorded hit jazz and blues records. He played at the Apollo Theater and with singers Jackie Wilson, Fats Domino, Diane Ross, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry.
His career slowed and then rose again in the 1980s with a hit album and tours of America and Europe. Throughout his life, DeLand was his home and retreat. The community honored him Saturday.
"But, what we have not said is Brother Noble loved his church," Moore said. "He loved his family and the community loved him."
The celebration of his life included the Stetson Jazz Band filling the church with soft blues, the church's Greater Union Inspirational Choir directed by his daughter Natalie Watts Brown bringing the crowd to its feet with hand-clapping gospel and Thom Chamber soloing on sax with "Take Five."
The choir and jazz band played "As the Saints Go Marching In" while Watts' casket was taken from the church for a short drive to Union Cemetery where he was buried.
"As I remember, as a little girl he came into my heart, how he accepted me, taught me and rarely judged me, which made me feel special from the start," daughter-in-law Vickie Hill told the service. "To my family, he passes on a legacy of love, humor, music and pride. He touched so many people and made so many friends. When Thin Man played the sax, everything seemed so right. May his music and spirit be with you, because, there will be music in heaven tonight.
