Hi all. this truly is sad news. Buddy is indeed moving on. we talk every couple of days and it's been hard, slowly saying goodbye to an old, dear friend. We have been doing a lot of reminiscing, lots and lots of laughing, and sobering reflections on life, and loss, and all the crazy things that make us human. Through it all he remains the same guy that has drawn all of you to leave such touching remarks here.
We did a lot of playing together in the late 80's before I left Texas to move out to Philadelphia, PA. Every gig with Buddy was an adventure. One in particular was a gig I have attached a link to below, some video footage Buddy sent me. The cast of characters was Buddy Sledge - Bass, Bruce Richardson - Keys, Fluglehorn, Me Scot Schwestka - Guitar, John Bush - Percussion, Matt Chamberlain - Drums @ the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, TX. Fall 1989
I had just moved to Philly to start my tenure at Ibanez guitars, Matt had just moved to NY and was playing with on SNL, Brad and John were ascending on the Edie Brickell/New Bohemians wave, Bruce was an active member of the Dallas jazz and theater, and education community. Buddy, Bruce and I had an ensemble we had been playing in Dallas, and Matt, Brad, Bruce, John and I had been playing together in a project Matt put together called "The Dudes" We all came back to Dallas to play together for the last time at the Meyerson. Buddy played Bass, Brad left the Bass role to Buddy for the day and played his sax!
That was a great time. We have all been blessed with active careers in the arts. But life happens. Brad passed away a little over a year ago very unexpectedly. Life has a way of kicking you in the teeth. I'm grateful for every moment I spent with these guys. They were great friends - great teachers.
When my time comes - I hope I engage it with the grace and wisdom our friend Buddy has shown me through this whole process. 
