Cincinnati native Fred Hersch had just begun his acclaimed Jazz career when doctors diagnosed him with HIV in 1986. Hersch used the diagnosis as a platform for discussion and has subsequently raised funds and awareness for a variety of related organizations, all while becoming one of Jazz’s most revered and innovative pianists.
In 2008, Hersch was hospitalized with pneumonia and related infections that nearly silenced his considerable talent forever. With his life hanging in the balance, doctors placed him in a medically-induced coma.
“I had dementia, then I was in the coma for a couple of months,” Hersch says. “It wasn’t that long that I felt sick, but by then I was in septic shock. They had to stick a tube down my throat and hope for the best. It was a life changer.” Post-coma, Hersch faced extraordinary challenges, including lessons on basic functions and relearning his craft.
“I was in in-patient rehab for a month, then had a lot of hard work to get back from being more or less helpless to being able to do all the things I do,” Hersch says. “Eat, walk and play the piano.”
Jazz pianist and Cincy native Fred Hersch plays Blue Wisp Jazz Club Friday. Go here to read Brian Baker’s full Sound Advice.
This article appears in Jun 1-7, 2011.