Bill Lee Obituary

Bill Lee was an American musician. He was the father of Spike Lee and Joie Lee. He composed original music for many of his son’s films, including She’s Gotta Have It, School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo Better Blues and others.

Lee was involved in many releases from the Strata-East jazz record label, including directing the 1980 album, The New York Bass Violin Choir.

Lee played the bass for artists including Chris Anderson, Cat Stevens, John Lee Hooker and many others.

On the original release of Dylan’s classic song, “It’s Over Now, Baby Blue”, Lee, on the bass guitar, is the only musician performing other than Dylan himself.

Lee was arrested on October 25, 1991, in Fort Greene for carrying a small bag of heroin during a police drug sweep of a park near his home. Lee would later say of his arrest, “I’m glad I was arrested, It woke me up.”

Bill Lee died on May 24, 2023, at the age of 94.