Remembering Dave Marsh: A Champion of Music, Passion, and Bedside Healing

The Musicians On Call (MOC) family joins the entire music community in mourning the loss of legendary music critic, author, and advocate Dave Marsh. Renowned for his sharp prose, legendary rock journalism, and uncompromising belief in the social force of music, Marsh’s legacy stretches far beyond print. To us at Musicians On Call, Dave was a foundational pillar whose fierce compassion helped turn a local hospital initiative into a nationwide movement for the healing power of music.

Born from Love: The Story of the Kristen Ann Carr Fund

The origin of Musicians On Call is inextricably tied to the memory of Dave Marsh’s daughter, Kristen Ann Carr. Diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, at age 19, Kristen spent her illness determined to make a difference for young adult cancer patients. Following her passing in 1993 at just 21 years old, Dave Marsh, alongside his wife Barbara Carr and daughter Sasha Carr, established The Kristen Ann Carr Fund (KACF).

KACF became a pioneering force in the fight against sarcoma, funding critical research, patient care, and young adult cancer support. But beyond medical grants, Dave and his family understood that healing required something more intimate: human connection and the true essence of music.

Launching Musicians On Call in NYC Hospital Hallways

When MOC co-founders Michael Solomon and Vivek J. Tiwary set out in 1999 to bring live music directly to patient bedsides in New York City, Dave Marsh and the Kristen Ann Carr Fund stepped up as early champions. KACF provided essential financial support and backing to help get Musicians On Call off the ground, turning the vision of bedside performances into a reality.

The profound realization that music can restore dignity and joy to someone facing their hardest trial became the heartbeat of Musicians On Call. While Michael and Vivek originally envisioned MOC functioning as a branch of the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, Dave saw an even broader future for its hospital impact. With his encouragement, MOC launched as its own standalone mission. And since those early days in NYC hallways, MOC volunteers have reached over 1.25 million patients, families, and healthcare workers across the nation.

Honored with the Golden Ukulele

Over a quarter-century of hands-on dedication, Dave’s steadfast support helped transform Musicians On Call into a national institution. In recognition of this remarkable devotion, MOC presented Dave, Barbara, and Sasha Carr with the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele during MOC’s landmark 25th Anniversary Celebration in NYC. This honor celebrated 25 years of continuous leadership through the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, placing Dave and his family in MOC’s Founders’ Circle alongside fellow visionary leaders who turned an ambitious idea into a nationwide healing movement.

A Lasting Legacy of Healing

The bond between the Marsh-Carr family and Musicians On Call continues to deepen. MOC and KACF recently launched a landmark $500,000 partnership to fund new technology infrastructure and establish the Kristen Ann Carr Bedside Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, along with an annual Kristen Ann Carr Virtual Program.

Our organization simply wouldn’t be here without the inspiration and decades of support from Barbara Carr, Dave Marsh and Sasha. Pete Griffin, MOC President & CEO

Dave Marsh understood that music isn’t merely an escape; it is a life-affirming force. Everyone at Musicians On Call will forever cherish his memory, his warmth, and his untiring commitment to bringing music where it is needed most.