In Memoriam: Ken McLeod (1962-2022)
To the Faculty of Music community,
I write with very sad news about our friend and colleague Ken McLeod, who passed peacefully yesterday morning, 17 March, in Ottawa.
A Professor of Music History and Culture, Ken made a profound impact on our community as a colleague, scholar, teacher, mentor, and friend since joining the University of Toronto in 2007. A leading scholar in the field of popular music studies, Ken’s diverse research interests ranged from Handel and Purcell to hip hop, techno, Afrofuturism, and Japanese popular music to aging and health in popular music culture. I first worked with Ken years ago as the editor of his brilliant article “‘A Fifth of Beethoven’: Disco, Classical Music, and the Politics of Inclusion.” His research in popular music and sports and in the influence of automotive culture on popular music led to his books We Are the Champions and Driving Identities, both of which will shape the field for years to come. Ken’s prescient work on gendered and racial narratives of national identity and his longtime support of equity, diversity, and inclusion issues will continue to inform the work of the Faculty in the coming years. His many current and former students testify to his enthusiastic and innovative teaching and mentoring. Ken’s work and generous spirit continue to inspire our community.
To help perpetuate Ken’s work, we have established the Ken McLeod Fund to support popular music studies at the Faculty of Music. Donations in Ken’s memory may be made here: https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/1794.
We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Julie Pedneault-Deslauriers, their son Nolan, and a large and loving community of Ken’s friends, students, and colleagues.
Please visit the following webpage for details on the memorial service taking place Saturday, March 26: Ken McLeod - Obituary & Service.
In community,
Ellie
Ellie M. Hisama
Dean and Professor of Music
Faculty of Music
University of Toronto
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