Brubeck active in Wilton community

WILTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Dave Brubeck's music is known around the world but it's Wilton he called home.

"He was just just a member of the town, a citizen but he was also very well liked," Harlan Murray of Wilton said.

To hear folks in Wilton tell is, Brubeck always had time for you, whether you ran into him at the library or the market, he would talk to you about music or anything.

"We would see him around town, he always had time to say hello or if people admired his musical talents and wanted to talk about it he was willing to do that. He was just a wonderful warm individual. He will be dearly missed," Elaine Tai-Lauria the Director of the Wilton Public Library.

The public library named a performing arts center for him to honor not only his generous donations making it possible but also his many local performances.

The Jazz Giant often sitting right at the piano, showcasing his talent in a simple space.

"He was mesmerizing, you know you were watching a legend and of course his music was just impeccable, it was beautiful, it was unique," Tai-Lauria said.

Valued as a member of Wilton's community, a bronze bust at the library acknowledges his place in music history.

"It's a sad time for the country and for Wilton," Murray said.