David Gurland Dies.

I did not know David Gurland well, a singer here on the cabaret scene in New York, But all my friends here are deeply saddened at this news. It seems everyone loved him. If you were a fan of is and didn't know, here is what I was sent by my friend, Marle.

With tremendous sadness, it was announced today that David Gurland, the multi-award winning singer and recording artist, passed away on January 1, 2011 at 4:52 PM as the result of a massive brain hemorrhage.

David passed at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan surrounded by friends and family. David is survived by his partner, actor Rob Maitner, his parents Evelyn and Gerry Gurland, his brother James Gurland and James’ wife Leslie, his nephew Ariel and by countless friends and a lifetime of music that will be enjoyed forever.

The families of Mr. Gurland and Mr. Maitner released the following statement:

“The world today sounds a little less sweet now that David has gone on to the next part of his journey, but his essence will live on forever in the recordings he left behind and the music he has left in our hearts. David lived grandly, loved fiercely, sang beautifully and danced terribly. And that is exactly how we hope the world remembers him. What many do not know is that David was also an organ recipient, having had a double corneal transplant in the 1990’s. It is with great joy that we may help David close a profoundly beautiful circle and donate his organs so that others may have the gift of life.”

David Gurland was also a fierce advocate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues. As such, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in David’s name to the Ali Forney Center for GLBT homeless youth. The Ali Forney Center is located at 224 West 35th Street, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10001. To learn more about the Ali Forney Center or to donate online, go to www.aliforneycenter.org.

In his life, David Gurland, who hailed from New York City, had won a place as one of the most formidable openly gay singers in New York's music scene. Channeling cabaret experience and instincts into his pop/rock shows, Gurland merged talent, presence and humor, into an unforgettable entertainment experience. Gurland’s accolades include 7 MAC Award nominations, the MAC/Hanson Award, a Gay and Lesbian American Music Award Nomination, and four Bistro Awards, one of which recognized his first CD, released in 1999 to rave reviews. David has been seen at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Cutting Room, The Bitter End, Town Hall, CB’s Gallery, The Living Room, Don’t Tell Mama, The Duplex, and The Metropolitan Room, as well as out of town venues like Odettes in New Hope, The Gardenia in LA, the Manor in NJ and Twiggs in San Diego. David was also singing with the band UPTOWN EXPRESS, and had recently recorded a CD with them entitled 'Take You There’.

EDIT: Here is a video of David. I did meet him a couple of times, probably at Mark Janas' Salon. That's David on the left. They're promoting a show about Rodgers & Hammerstein, promising to sing only "the famous stuff."