Jack, 70, was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year and passed away yesterday.
Euan Murdoch, Director Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), where Jack taught for 29 years, says that Jack influenced a vast range of up-and-coming musicians studying their craft at the University. He remembers Jack as a generous and passionate advocate for music and musicians, for people from diverse cultures and for life in general.
He also acknowledges the extraordinary contribution Jack has made to the arts in New Zealand.
“Jack’s prolific creative output has challenged and inspired us and music-lovers around the world for several generations. His fearless originality and entrepreneurial acumen have helped to establish a new musical paradigm in this country as part of the Asia-Pacific.”
Jack was presented an Arts Foundation Icon Award last week to honour his significant impact on music. The award was officially announced at Victoria University, at a book launch of Jack! Celebrating Jack Body, Composer, a presentation of Jack’s life, work and influence.
February 2022: Acknowledgement of historical harmful behaviour
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has been involved (since April 2021) in a restorative process around historical allegations of sexually harmful behaviours by former staff member, Jack Body. A statement from the University, outlining the learnings and actions associated with this process, can be read on this page on the NZSM website. We support our community to make their own informed decisions about how they wish to relate to Jack Body’s music.