Luis was one of the first musicians I met in Atlanta, when I moved there in 1980. I saw him performing at Walter Mitty’s, in Va-Hi. He was a warm and giving man, and was always ready to participate in fund-raisers or benefits for worthy causes. Luis was extremely devoted to his music and writings, and was committed to his craft to the point of personal sacrifice. He will be missed, by me as well as by many others. Steve Ellison, AMERF Board Chairman

His obituary follows: Luis Edward Stefanell born August 12, 1951, passed away on March 7, 2021. Luis was born in Brooklyn, New York to Renaldo Stefanell De la Rosa and Eufemia Isabel Vargas De Stefanell. He was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and moved to Decatur, Georgia where he resided for 47 years.

Luis’s greatest passion was his music, a well-established percussionist who played, congas, bongo, timbale drums, African kalimba, balaphone and Native American flutes. He enjoyed teaching his gift of music to all. He was an active member of the Atlanta music community and enjoyed “jamming” with his fellow musicians. He was an avid painter and author of 4 books. His gift to those who knew him best was his love and peaceful nature.  

During his music career, Luis had the joy of playing with such acts as Archie Bell and the Drells, Caroline Aiken, The S.O.S Band, Peabo Bryson, The Producers, Kodac Harrison, Michelle Malone, George Clinton, Freddie Cole and Curtis Mayfield. He worked on films scores including, Fled and The Return of Superfly.

Luis was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father and brothers Pepito “Pepe” Stefanell & Renaldo Stefanell, Jr. He leaves behind three sisters Wilhelmina Stefanell Steuer, Olivia Stefanell Pellicier, and Liz (Isabelle) Stefanell Davis. His son Louis Stefanell, Jr. (April) and 3 grandchildren, Ashton, Alyssa and Ethan. He also leaves behind nieces Carrie Whitsell, Kimberly Townsend, Joy Miller and nephew Rocco Stefanell. The family will celebrate his life at a later date.

As Luis would say Paz (Peace) & Blessings to all his family, friends and fellow musicians.

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