The music world has lost a prolific and talented artist. Eric Allen Doney, of Pen Argyl, died April 17, 2015. To many who knew and loved him, his passing means more than the loss of an unparalleled jazz musician and teacher. It is the loss of a man with a kind and gentle spirit who possessed an abundance of generosity and hope.

"He had the remarkable facility to adapt to any musical environment, and to shine in that environment," says Richard Master of Bethlehem, a friend of Doney's for 40 years on whose label, Minsi Ridge Records, Doney collaborated, serving as a featured artist, mentor and creative consultant.

"In addition to his gift," says Master, "Eric really was the most generous and personable human being. Our intentions are to look at his last recordings and come out with a series of tributes, which will show what he was up to during his years of struggle. He struggled over a 10-year period with prostate cancer, and he never really complained about it.

"He produced some of his greatest work, I think, during that period, when he had more time to reflect, where he was concerned about what his legacy was.'

Doney began his classical studies in first grade and gave his first performance at the age of seven. After receiving a Bachelor of Music from Susquehanna University, Doney's first tour was with Jon Hendricks, with whom he recorded the Grammy-nominated album, "Love."

During Doney's incredible music career, he lived in New York, Paris and Santa Monica. While a member of the David Johansen Band, Doney opened for such groups as The Who, Blondie, Duran Duran, the Clash and REO Speedwagon. In the early 1980s, Doney toured with vocalist Kim Parker and was the music conductor for Connie Stevens.

Doney became music director and pianist for Bob Hope's television shows. In 1984, he performed at the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics. Doney was music director for Engelbert Humperdinck, and toured more than 40 countries.

In 1993, Doney returned to the Poconos and formed Pacific Street Records, producing 20 recordings for that label, and working with local jazz greats such as Phil Woods, Bob Dorough, John Coates, Jr. and Scott Jarrett. In 2008, Doney received the prestigious Fred Waring Award.

Jim McGee, a close friend of Doney's, had asked Doney and his wife, vocalist Vickie Doney, to perform at a benefit concert. "I was enraptured by them," says McGee.

McGee, an audio engineer who was in charge of sound at the annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival in Delaware Water Gap, saw Doney perform there a number of times.

"I was very impressed with Eric, but didn't really get to know him until my son, Patrick, a serious jazz musician, introduced us. Patrick met Eric through his musical associates Mitchell Cheng and Davey Lantz, who were students with Eric at the time. He had a real gift for spotting young talent and helping with its development."

Doney and McGee found they had similar artistic visions and collaborated on many projects at McGee's studio, Spectra Sound Recording, Nazareth.

"I had an instant appreciation for Eric as an artist," says McGee. "He was the commensurate musician in every way ... a real sweetheart of a guy, a very nice personality and not judgmental."

Master also remarks on Doney's ability to produce emerging artists: "He mentored a number of young people over the years, who became, in their own right, remarkable artists, going on to Julliard, etcetera, and now emerging onto the jazz scene with a lot of potential for success.

"He always was very positive and encouraging to everyone," says Master. "We miss him so much."

Doney was 62.