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(Repost from Facebook) In the midst of our sadness with the passing of my father, Frederick Tinsley, we’re thankful for the thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness, love and support that we’ve received from our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. We truly appreciate the outpouring. Philip and I want to share with you one very special act.

After hearing the news of my father’s passing, Todd Cochran, a Los Angeles-based musician, pianist, composer and music producer who has worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Grover Washington Jr., Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, Stan Getz, Rod Stewart—and the list goes on—reached out to us through a mutual musician colleague of my dad’s, not only to offer his condolences, but also to offer to share his gifts of music at my father’s funeral.

As we were making arrangements, we asked Grant if he’d be up to singing “Ave Maria” at the service, and he was. We then asked Todd if he would accompany Grant—in addition to playing some other pieces. Below is their first rehearsal session at Todd’s home studio on Sunday.

When Philip, Grant, Daphne and I were visiting with Todd, he told us that he had attended the LA Philharmonic’s last concert of the Hollywood Bowl season, which was a week ago Thursday. In that moment, we realized that that concert was my father’s very last performance. Hearing Todd talk about seeing dad play for the last time was quite emotional.

And then, to hear Grant sing “Ave Maria’’ was not only emotional, but spiritual and therapeutic. After they spent about 45 minute rehearsing, Todd talked to Grant for some 20 minutes about the music industry, sharing many, many nuggets of wisdom. Although we met Todd under sad circumstances, it was truly a blessed day in which our healing began.