The Pittsburg-based musician had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2019
US double bassist Amanda Rice-Johnson died on 2 January 2026. According to a social media post by her family, she died of respiratory difficulties having suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm six years ago in November 2019.
Rice-Johnson originally came from Fall’s Church, Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s in music performance from Temple University, Philadelphia. She completed a two-year Music Performance Residency certificate programme at Carnegie Mellon University, PA.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Rice-Johnston worked extensively as a freelance bassist both locally and further afield, playing with the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet, as well as the Wheeling, West Virginia and Grand Rapids Symphonies, and as principal bass of the Westmoreland Symphony. She was also founding member of the Kassia Ensemble. She taught double bass at Chatham University.
The International Society of Bassists wrote in a tribute: ‘Amanda was a brilliant musician and friend… She will be deeply missed.’
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