Bugs Beddow was an amazing person who made a big impact on those who knew him. He wasn’t just a talented musician; he was also a loving husband and a dedicated father who believed in family values and commitment.
Bugs was not to be taken lightly in the music world – he was an impressive singer and a strong leader of his band. People have been curious about Bugs Beddow’s obituary and the cause of his death. Keep reading to find out more about it.
Who was Bugs Beddow?
Bugs Beddow was a multifaceted individual who wore many hats throughout his life. He was not only a loving husband and father but also an accomplished musician with a wide range of talents. Bugs was renowned for his skills on the flute, trombone, and vocals, showcasing his versatility in the world of music.
He didn’t just limit himself to playing music; he was also a respected bandleader and served as the director of the famous Detroit-based Rock and soul group, “Bugs Beddow & the Good Stuff.” Bugs Beddow and his talented ensemble delivered captivating renditions of Rock and soul classics spanning the past four decades.

In addition to his illustrious music career, Bugs Beddow was deeply committed to music education. His roles as a Principal Trombonist and Vice-President of the Orchard Lake Philharmonic highlighted his dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion for music with the world. Bugs Beddow’s legacy lives on through his contributions to contemporary and classical music, leaving an indelible mark on the Detroit music scene and beyond.
Bugs Beddow’s Passing and Obituary
On September 12, 2023, the music world and the Detroit community mourned the loss of a legend, Bugs Beddow. His peaceful battle against cancer came to an end on this sorrowful day. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Despite his departure, his legacy endures. His contributions to the music industry as a skilled musician and dedicated educator will resonate through the ages. His influence on the Detroit music scene and his impact on numerous students ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. While Bugs Beddow may have bid farewell to the world, his music and memories will endure as a testament to his unwavering spirit and love for the art form he cherished.
People are sharing tributes towards him on social media. Jennifer Christiansen posted on Facebook, “One of my dearest friends, Bugs Beddow passed away early this morning. He was my buddy on stage and off.”

Steve Galli wrote, “Stellar musician and my friend, Bugs Beddow passed away early this morning.”
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Bugs Beddow’s Education and Passion for Music
Bugs Beddow’s journey into the world of music was ignited during a pivotal moment in the third grade at Thomas Houghten’s elementary school in Detroit. Inspired by a dynamic and energetic performance during a pep event, Bugs developed a deep passion for music, particularly the trombone.
Throughout primary and secondary school, he remained actively involved in music and even taught himself to play the flute and bass guitar. While initially pursuing a pre-dental major in college, Bugs realized that his true passion lay in music. He switched his major to music, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1975.
Bugs Beddow’s commitment to expanding his knowledge in music education is evident through his pursuit of Master of Music Education credits at both Madonna University and the University of California-Bakerfield. His education and unwavering passion for music not only shaped his career but also allowed him to educate and inspire others through his music.
Bugs Beddow’s Musical Career Journey
Bugs Beddow’s musical journey is a testament to his talent and dedication to music. He wore many hats as an educator and performer, leaving an enduring impact on the music scene. As an educator, Bugs shared his love of music with students from various school systems, including orchestra, band, elementary, and choir programs.
His teaching career spanned multiple schools, including Leland Public Schools, Interlochen Arts Academy, New Morning School-Plymouth, Detroit Cornerstone Schools, Huron Valley School District, and West Bloomfield School District. His commitment extended beyond the classroom, as he also offered private music lessons through Marshall Music and the Orchard Lake School of Music. Bugs Beddow’s dedication to music education was further evident through his work in his congregation’s praise group.
In parallel, Bugs pursued a vibrant career as a musician, performing with renowned big bands like Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Don Ellis, and Stan Kenton after college. He then embarked on his jazz career, forming his jazz ensemble and gaining national recognition through a bestselling jazz album in 1983, a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning guitarist Earl Klugh. His contributions to jazz were honoured when he was inducted into the Detroit Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987.
In 1992, Bugs Beddow made a musical shift into Rock and soul music following an appearance in the movie “Hoffa” alongside Jack Nicholson. This transition marked a significant milestone in his career, leading to numerous prestigious awards at the Detroit Music Awards. Bugs’ classical training on the trombone added an extra dimension to his Rock & Soul performances, showcasing his musical prowess.
One of the highlights of his classical career was performing the Rimsky-Korsakov Trombone Concerto with the Orchard Lake Philharmonic, underscoring his proficiency in classical music. Bugs Beddow’s musical journey was characterized by his dedication to learning, and his seamless transitions between different musical genres attest to his enduring enthusiasm and talents in the field of music.
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Bugs Beddow’s Family
Bugs Beddow was born in Detroit in 1953 to his parents, William and Olga Beddow. While specific details about his parents are limited in the provided text, it is evident that they played a significant role in shaping his childhood and nurturing his musical interests. Their likely encouragement and influence fueled his early passion for music, which ultimately became the foundation of his professional career.
Bugs Beddow also had an older sister named Kate, who had a profound impact on his musical development. Kate’s early musical preferences heavily influenced Bugs, introducing him to the world of music. Their shared love for music led them to form the band “Smokey Burgandy” during their time at Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan. The collaboration with his sister underscores the importance of family in his musical growth and highlights the close bond they shared in their shared musical interests.
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