Artist: Diamond Jim Greene

Jim Greene is a good friend of mine that unfortunately I have not seen in many years. Jim is a great traditional Blues guitarist and artist. I had the pleasure of producing and playing on one of his albums named “Snapshots”. We were very lucky to bring in some of Chicago’s Blues royalty like Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Bob Stroger. We even had a bagpiper playing the outro to a song that honored veterans. It was a wonderful project and one of my favorite productions. If you ever get a chance to grab a copy, it is well worth a solid listen.

– Dave Katzman
Born: Chicago, Illinois, August 5, 1956

Festival: Newport Jazz Festival August 23, 1981, Newport, RI.

Living in Springfield, Mass at that time, I drove with friends to Newport, RI on a Sunday in August to attend the Newport Jazz Festival. The concert had stages set up at the base of historic Fort Adams. Concert-goers spread blankets on the lawn in front of the stages. The day got progressively hot. There was no shade and many attendees folded newspapers into make-shift sun hats. Behind where everyone sat was beautiful Newport harbor. Sailboats and large yachts slowly cruised close to shore. Those onboard could listen to the performers over the large speaker systems.

It was a great line up that day: Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie Quartet with guest Milt Jackson on vibes, Dave Brubeck Quartet (not sure who played the baritone sax), and the lively Lionel Hampton on vibes with his all-star band.

What an opportunity to see these legends all on one day in a picturesque setting!

– Ronald Nowakowski
Born: Chicago, Illinois, January 25, 1946

Artist: Otis Spann

Otis was a dear friend and sweet man. Many piano players copied his style, seldom to the perfection we hear from Mr. Spann.

– Ron H.
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist: Son House

Simply put, my life studying the blues began in 1964 when Dick Waterman brought Son to perform at Wayne State University. I remember the emotions to this day.

– Ron H.
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist:  Toots Thielemans

Jaco introduced me to Toots when we worked together during his Weather Report years, circa 1977–78, and Big Band album around 1980. I heard Toots was playing at Pasquale’s in 1981 and took my wife to see the show. He was kind enough to invite us to the green room after the show. Such a gentleman and distinctive player.

– Paul Bruno
Born: California, November

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

My mother was a torch song singer with the Gene Beecher orchestra in the late 30’s. Her name was Annette Webber. She was nicknamed, Annette the teacher’s pet, and Gene was, Gene the music teacher. But back to Ella.

My mother thought that Ella was the most wonderful teacher of all time. I can remember countless times we would listen to Ella Fitzgerald and my mother would attempt to scat with her and encourage me, as a small child, to try to emulate Ella also. I have listened to Jazz and Ella throughout my life because of this.

Fast forward 15 yrs and I was at Red Rocks amphitheater expecting to see Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, but I was there the wrong night and Ella was the performer and gave a concert I will never forget. At 70 years old I decided to revisit my singing with my mother. Jazz and Ella Fitzgerald are my favorite things to sing. Summertime is my theme song.

Although I never had the chance to meet her, Ella has had a profound influence on my singing life which is one of the great joys in my life. Thank you for starting and maintaining this site. I listen to almost every post you produce.

– Barry Lichterman
Born: Memphis, Tennessee, October 17, 1954

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

I saw Ella live more times than any other musician. My son got so tired of my playing her CDs in the car that he virtually begged me to stop. I did.

– Mitch D.
Born: New York City, New York, September 18

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

I saw Ella live in Devon, PA back in the 1980s. She was there with a piano trio behind her and it was great! However, on the same night Oscar Peterson was there with his group and he had Joe Pass with him. I met Oscar’s drummer that night during the intermission, Bobby Durham. They played first and afterward Ella came out with her group.

What made it even more special was that later in her performance, Joe Pass came out to do some duets with her! They had recorded a number of albums together doing the duo format.

In my memory, that night was the greatest concert I have ever enjoyed in my life.

– Pasquale Pratico
Born: Trenton, New Jersey, August 31, 1955

Artist: Jimmy Haslip

This is a very simple message. I gave Jimmy Haslip some private bass lessons at my parents home in Huntington Station, Long Island, NY. This was before he studied with Jaco Pastorius. Jimmy had a very mature and musical outlook and it is a pleasure to hear from him on occasion. I believe he is one of the most spiritual players I have ever had the pleasure to know.

– Ron Smith
Born: Huntington, Long Island, December 8, 1947

Artist: Stan Getz

August 17, 1964, Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, Illinois. I saw Stan Getz with Astrud Gilberto at a free concert sponsored by the shopping center. Thousands of folding chairs were set up outdoors in a parking lot. When Stan Getz began playing, there were noisy concert-goers in the front rows. They were so disruptive, Stan had to stop playing. Once the audience got quiet, the performance continued. Astrud Gilberto sang “The Girl from Ipanema,” the hit Bossa Nova song of the sixties. She sang in a soft, whispery voice. Stan’s solo was great. Years later (1983?), I saw Stan at a small club in Boston called Lulu White. Between sets, I gave him a “thumbs-up.”

– Ronald Nowakowski
Born: Chicago, Illinois, January 25, 1946

Artist: Herbie Mann

Worked with Herbie ’70-’72 (bass) with the great Pat Rebillot on piano, who also played with Sonny Rollins (he’s in Sonny’s book), and whom you still don’t recognize, he’ll be 91 Apr 21. Also Sonny Sharrock and Fathead Newman, and Potato Valdez, concerts all over the country plus Montreux, PR, and Newport, what a great band to play and hang with. Loved every minute!

– Andy Muson
Born: New York, New York, January 4, 1945

Artist: Jimmy Garrison

I saw and heard Jimmy Garrison with John Coltrane on December 26, 1966, at the Village Theater in Manhattan. The Ornette Coleman trio was on the same bill. It was 60 years ago, and I still remember how wonderful they all were.

– Philip Davis
Born: Brooklyn, New York, April 9, 1946

Artist: Bud Freeman

I already tried to send a message, but there was a mistake there. I am not sure that it reached you. Here is the right version: I heard Bud in a theatre in Glasgow in 1976 with Scottish musicians. After the first set he said, “And now we shall have a short and very alcoholic intermission.” Me and my friends also met Bud in the Dobell Record Shop in London in the 60s the day after we had bought one of his records in that store.

– Anders Bohn
Born: Oslo, Norway, April 2 1948

Artist: JB Hutto

I saw him dozens of times in Boston. My favorite memories are of him literally walking on tables and the bar while playing. Then he would hand the guitar to a lucky fan! I got it once, in NH.

– Karen Nugent
Born: Waltham City, Massachusetts, May 28, 1955

Artist: Herbie Hancock

“Back in the day”….. the early 70s, I used to frequent the Jazz Workshop in Boston. You could pay admission and then sit in there all night listening to all the sets. It was amazing and wonderful. One evening, as I was leaving at the end of the night, Herbie Hancock and his band were leaving at the same time. I smiled to signal my thanks, and he told me I had a beautiful smile. I still remember that to this day, decades later. It was such an honor. He had played Maiden Voyage that night. Still as stellar as back then!

– Antigone
Born: New York City, New York, December 3

Artist: Mongo Santamaría

I saw and heard Mongo Santamaría and his band at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA around 1965. Great concert! Great memory.

– Ken Cook
Born: Long Beach, California, January 30, 1947

Artist: Charlie Rouse

I remember seeing and hearing Charlie Rouse with Thelonious Monk at the Hollywood Bowl in the early 60s. Great concert, great memory!

– Ken Cook
Born: Long Beach, California, January 30, 1947

Artist: Chick Corea

Always enjoy the excellence of Chick’s playing, and this trio with Esperanza Spalding is “off the hook” fantastic…wish I had been there in person.

– Wil Hobbs
Born: West Chester Borough, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1945

Artists: Manhattan Transfer

Actually got to learn and sing this version of Corner Pocket when I was in college. The great Claudia Carawan plus Lani Bass (McWilliams) plus fellow trumpeter Greg Little (RenderGlow) and I performed it in 1985.

– Jonathan Greenberg
Born: New York City, New York, May 6, 1960

Artist: Dee Dee Bridgewater

Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois, 1970. Then Dee Dee Garrett sang at this collegiate jazz festival, featuring college big bands from throughout the Midwest. The festival ran most of the day. Great compositions by all the performers. It was the inaugural festival, which later became an annual event. I remember Dee Dee had a spot, I believe, with the University of Illinois jazz band. She sang “On a Clear Day” and “Who Can I Turn To.” I can still hear her voice like it was yesterday. I bought the cassette tapes and played them till they wore out! I wish I could find copies. Great day in Elmhurst!

– Ronald Nowakowski
Born: Chicago, Illinois, January 25, 1946

Artist: Joe Venuti

Please check and correct the wrong spelled words and grammar, but do not change any words I first saw Joe live in 1974 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. I was a HS senior and contemplating on where ai should go for college. When I saw Venuti play, I decided “that’s it, I’m going to study with Joe”. I immediately rushed over to the stage at the end of the show and spoke to him as he was packing up his gear. I said ,” do you teach?, I’ll go wherever you are” certain that I’d learn everything I needed from him. He pointed his bow at me, and in that gruff voice of his, he said “Kid, I don’t teach…you play classical?” I replied “yes sir” and then he said without missing a beat “don’t stop”, turned around and left the stage My in person lesson from Joe was over. I know from following him and his music for all these years, that he had a deep affection for the classics, he quoted so many. I continue to learn from him to this very day (even though I went on to study with Itzhak Perlman and continue my Jazzer ways.

– Jeremy Cohen
Born: Oakland, California, October 5, 4957

Artist: James Moody

I met Moody just about the time I was leaving Las Vegas. We quickly became friends. One day, I asked if I could play his set up (mouthpiece, reed, ligature). I was only 27 or so at the time and very strong. His set up was so hard blowing that I could hardly get a sound. But he sounded great, so what do I know? I still don’t think I could work that hard on my horn.

– Mike Vaccaro
Born: Inglewood, California, January 26, 1947

Artist: Lew Tabackin

Lew Tabackin and I arrived at South Philadelphia High School at the same time, but from different junior high schools. We were both admitted to a special high school program for students very interested in music and were naturally involved with the band and orchestra. Lew came as a flute player, I came as a clarinet player. However, we were both in the process of transitioning to saxophone. Lew was also learning the clarinet. Within a very short time, it became clear that Lew was a better saxophone and clarinet player than all of the rest of us. As we all know, Lew went on to become a great jazz musician, while I went on to become a music teacher and have been leading a 16 piece swing jazz band for the past 24 years. Happy Birthday Lew!

– Murray Itzenson
Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1940

Artist: Flip Phillips

Attended JATP with Phillips and Ella circa 1952 in Dallas.

– Robert Sigler
Born: Dallas, Texas, July 21,1934

Artist: Flip Phillips

I’ve bought the 7 inch 45 single in 1958, I do still listen to it. This solo of Flip is certainly one of the best of the entire jazz history. Everything is here, the sound, the perfect progression of the solo, and of course, the swing!

– Charles Hug
Born: Fribourg, Switzerland, November 6, 1938

Artist: Jess Stacy

I’m 90. In high school in the 50s in Cleveland, I heard this concert for the first time on 78 rpm records. And way back then, when I heard that clarinet and the high note, I was awestruck by what came next. I’ve heard a lot of different kinds of music in the succeeding 73 or so years, but nothing comes close, in my mind, to that few minutes of piano genius.

– Tom Friedman
Born: Cleveland, Ohio, 1936

Artist: Count Basie

I saw the Basie band live when I was 16 at a theatre in Pennsauken, NJ. That was probably around 1971. The band was phenomenal!

– Pasquale Pratico
Born: Trenton, New Jersey, August 8, 1955

Artist: Jessica Williams

I vividly recall seeing Jessica Williams at the BBC studios in Edinburgh, Scotland. She clearly had not previously entered the studio until she was due to play, it was a solo concert, since she stood there transfixed when she saw the pristine grand piano which had been provided for the concert. She did the piano full justice with a touch which brought out the qualities of the instrument and which gave her enthusiastic, if small, audience a musical experience which I, for one, will never forget. It was as memorable as another Edinburgh musical experience, sitting in the Usher Hall, on the seats on stage a few feet from Count Basie’s piano and beside Freddie Green. It was there and in the BBC studio that I realised that no recording could fully capture the music that is jazz, not even the original recording of The Atomic Mr Basie…

– John H. Duthie
Born: Galashiels, Scotland, October 25, 1933

Artist: Billy Branch

Remember jamming together Off The Wall at the Rising Sun, Montreal before Willie Dixon took the stage. Or another time in the 70s across from the original Checkerboard, jamming with the Gospel Tent music one Monday, I believe. First time I met Billy. He was always ready to jam back then, him from California and myself from Canada.

– Jay Sewall
Born: Boston, Massachusetts, December 19, 1942

Artist: Corey Harris

No better player, singer, or friend of the blues. I am proud to have released a DVD of his music through the AMRF.

– Ronald Paul Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist: Chico Hamilton

I saw them many years ago at the “Red Hill” night club in Cherry Hill, NJ. It is gone. They were great; Hamilton, Fred Katz, Buddy Collette, Carson Smith, and Jim Hall.

– Richard Bissell
Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1937

Artist: Shirley Scott

Shortly after my postgraduate summer course at Berklee College of Music in 1970, I joined the Federal City College (predecessor to UDC) Jazz Ensemble on lead alto. One of our gigs was as opener for Shirley Scott at the Harambee House Supper Club.

– Archer (Tony) Jordan
Born: New York City, New York, November 7, 1946

Artist: Pat Martino

I studied with Pat for a while in the early 1970s. He was a major influence in my musical development. I still have my notebooks from that time with his bold felt-tipped pen notations, as well as an ebony bridge for my L5 that he gave me. Our lessons were always sitting cross-legged on the rug in his back room in Powelton Village in West Philadelphia. Through him I met some of his bandmates (Ron Thomas, Bobby Rose) who also had significant effect on me. So glad my path led me to cross with Pat’s. Maestro mysterioso!

– Stuart Leigh
Born: Newton, Massachusetts, March 28, 1950

Artist: Bix Beiderbecke

It was probably at least 20 years ago that my late wife and I found ourselves in Richmond, Indiana. I insisted we visit the Gennett Records Walk of Fame at the site of the old Starr factory and the Gennett Recording Studio. Sacred ground!

– George Chapman
Born: Lebanon, New Hampshire, March 11, 1934

Artist: Ornette Coleman

Ornette showed up at the Roxie Theater, in the scruffy bustle of San Francisco’s Mission District, for a screening of Shirley Clarke’s 1985 documentary about him, Made in America. He was casual of mood and dress, amiable and soft spoken, in no ways a rhinestone star distanced from the multi generational fans regaling in his legend. It would be a few years yet before I’d interview him. But I already had Charlie Haden’s story about meeting up with Ornette in LA in the ’50s and feeling he’d finally found a soulmate he could share sounds with.

– Jeff Kaliss
Born: San Francisco, California, January 1, 1946

Artist: Roosevelt Sykes

I have to thank Bonnie Raitt, whose passion for presenting Blues musicians and singers allowed me to meet so many wonderfully talented people. Sippie and Bonnie were doing a gig as part of an East Coast tour, and in walked Roosevelt with his signature cigar, hat, and broad smile. Roosevelt had backed Sippie in Europe ten years earlier, and the promoters would not allow me to travel with her. Sippie and Roosevelt were already well acquainted, and their chat was filled with laughter about how hard they worked on the American Folk Blues tour and the times they both spent in New Orleans. Roosevelt was a great gentleman and a wonderful conversationalist. I miss him.

– Ronald Paul Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist: Howard McGhee

My dad (Jack Simpson) hosted a long running jazz radio show in Florida called “Jazz on the Beach” for over 50 years. As a result, I was able to meet several legendary musicians in my childhood. Howard McGhee was one of those guys who our family became close with. Howard agreed to donate his talents for a few benefit concerts my dad produced and spent a few nights at our house in Cocoa, Florida during those visits. I was starting to play guitar but had some interest in the trumpet. Howard tried to teach me a few things but because I had braces on my teeth, I had some difficulty! Howard recognized my struggles and told me with great humor and sensitivity he would help me when the braces came off. I was completely enamored with the guy and will always remember the kindness he shared with an insecure 13 year old.

– Ken Simpson
Born: Florida, April 5, 1961

Artist: Nancy Wilson

Attended Nancy’s performance at Southern Methodist University, circa 1966. What a thrill.

– Robert Sigler
Born: Dallas, Texas, July 21,1934

Artist: Veronica Swift

On August 3, 2024, Ms. Swift sang at the grand opening and induction ceremony of Ron Carter into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. A truly outstanding and magnificent performance. Accompanied by, to name a few, Rodney Whitaker, Sherman Irby, Gary Motley. A turn out performance.

– Orville Ifill
Born: Birmingham, Alabama, August 27, 1951

Artist: Sergio Mendes

September 28th, 2022, I attended his concert at Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, MD. On the way to the concert I was listening to Moacir Santos recordings. During the concert Sergio acknowledged his indebtedness to the Maestro Moacir Santos, one of his first teachers.

– Archer Jordan
Born: New York City, New York, November 7, 1946

Artist: Django Reinhardt

In the 1970s I worked with Bill Kluft, of Sunland/Tujunga CA, who told me many stories of his experiences in the US Military during WWII and Korea.
— During WWII, Bill was a soldier in the US Army fighting Hitler’s Nazi forces in Europe. Whenever he got leave, he would try to spend time in clubs and inns and drinking holes in France.
— He kept hearing chatter among the locals about someone whose name he never knew, was never told. But the locals would talk and wonder if “He” was going to make an appearance. Might “He” turn up tonight? If not tonight, when?
— It sparked Bill’s curiosity further when he found out that it was a Swing Jazz Guitarist. Bill was a huge fan of Big Band and Swing Jazz and wished very much that whomever “He” was might make an appearance while he was on leave.
— Eventually, one night, with no expectations or buzz rumbling through the locals’ chatter, a sudden hush came over the patrons. In “He” walked, with no fanfare or entourage, only a guitar in hand.
— Excitement spread throughout the pub, and the Gypsy Jazz Guitarist took hold over the audience.
— Without a word, he began to play, and not just play, but play in a manner not seen or heard before by the American soldiers in the crowd, who were all in shock over the quality of the music and that this Gypsy fingered his guitar with only two fingers.
— Bill and his fellow G.I.s left, never knowing who “He” was, only that it was the greatest guitar playing they had ever heard. It left a lifelong impression on Bill and the others.
— Flash forward to 1972-1979, Bill told me this story and still, 30 years later, did not know who the Gypsy Guitar Player was.
— I was a Blues/Rock guitarist and avid reader of music magazines and had the pleasure of explaining to Bill that he had seen DJANGO REINHARDT play in Paris during WWII and that Django had died in the early 1950s, details were still rather vague in the 1970s.
— To this day, in February 2026, Mr. Bill Kluft is the only person I have ever met that actually saw and heard DJANGO REINHARDT play music.

– Lew Campbell
Born: Los Angeles, California, 1949

Artist: Ken Peplowski

Been seeing Ken Peplowski on The Jazz Cruise for about 15 years. What was cool is that he died on the last day of this year’s cruise, which means that for seven days he had been listening to some of the greatest musicians and singers in the country. Can’t think of a better final week.

– Michael Tarbet
Born: California, 1945

Artist: Ken Peplowski

I was lucky to see him on the Jazz Cruise several years ago. Sadly, I read he passed away on the cruise this year. I was not familiar with him when I first saw him, but quickly became a fan. He was lyrical and had a great sense of humor. It was apparent he loved performing. He will be missed.

– Alan
Born: New York, New York, August 22, 1951

Artist: Cab Calloway

Just LOVED when years later he was cast in The Blues Brothers movie! So great!

– Jennifer Evetts
Born: Brownwood, Texas, February 28, 1964

Artist: Pharoah Sanders

I have had the good fortune to attend several Pharoah Sanders concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area. One performance at Grace Cathedral, presented by SFJAZZ, was particularly remarkable. I remember the clergy always occupied the front rows, and Pharoah emerged from behind the podium playing some of the most abstract music imaginable.

Grace Cathedral was filled to capacity, standing room only, and the clergy remained intensely interested throughout. Before the performance began, I remarked on the cathedral’s famous seven second reverberation. The musicians clearly understood this, Pharoah and his ensemble “played the room,” weaving their music into the echo to create an unforgettable soundscape. It reminded me that Duke Ellington was the first to bring jazz to Grace Cathedral when he was commissioned to write his Sacred Concerts (there is still wonderful footage of Duke at Grace on YouTube).

I also saw Pharoah at Yoshi’s in Oakland, where he performed his masterpiece, “The Creator Has a Master Plan.” As he segued into the next piece, the beat picked up and he became increasingly animated. A group of people I believe were his family were in attendance, and their cheering and applause seemed to energize him.

Pharoah became so inspired that the atmosphere shifted, it felt like we were on the cusp of a blues rock concert. The crowd and his family were clapping with such enthusiasm, the energy was palpable. It remains the most unforgettable concert experience of my life. Pharoah was truly a gift to all of us.

– Dr. Chris Narker
Born: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 1953

Artist: Muddy Waters

I had the good fortune to meet Muddy in 1965 and again in 1967 at the Newport Folk Festival. Backstage passes are the best.

Then in 1972, when Bonnie Raitt and Sippie Wallace met at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, Muddy and I had many opportunities to hang out. To say that he was one of the great gentlemen of the blues is an understatement. He never put on any “airs” and would freely speak about his times in the South and coming up to Chicago. No doubt in my mind that he brought electric slide to a new level and taught the British bands the meaning of the blues.

– Ron Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947 

Artist: Taj Mahal

I first met Taj in about 1966. He not only plays and sings the blues with skill and passion, but he is also a helluva historian. Many years ago, when I began writing the history of the Thomas Family (George, Hociel, Hersal and Sippie Wallace), he spent many hours with me providing historical paths to follow in my research and understanding. His perspectives challenged my own, and he was often responsible for a new outlook that helped me succeed in writing about facts rather than opinions.

– Ron Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947 

Artist: Veronica Swift

We saw her first at the Jazz Party in Newport Beach, CA, and then again at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, PA. A great voice and a great stage presence.

– Kenneth Davis
Born: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1945

Artist: Ray Pizzi

Worked with Ray in the late 60s in Boston. One night I was drinking a glass of Crème de Cacao. Ray had never heard of it! I offered him a taste. He quipped, “Yah, it’s like a Hip Bosco!” Miss him! What a musician!!

– Sonny Daye
Born: Boston, Massachusetts, February 12, 1945

Artist: Jay McShann

I was fortunate enough to produce a series of Blues and Boogie Woogie concerts about 20 years ago. Because Jay was always in the groove between blues, jazz, and boogie, I asked him to perform, and what a great time we had! Jay was so sweet, and when we taped an interview, he made sure that we didn’t leave anything out that he wanted us to know. We had about 1200 patrons, and the house rocked. What a night to remember, and a video with six cameras!

– Ron Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947 

Artist: Count Basie

Saw the band in concert at Lincoln Center sometime in the late 70s.

– Vin Limoli
Born: Brooklyn, New York, September 15, 1954

Artist: Santiago Grande Castelli

Santiago Grande Castelli era un guitarrista, compositor y arreglador de jazz y amigo de Joe Pass. Cuando estuvo en NY arregló algunos temas para el trío Los Panchos y tocaron juntos. Lo invitaron a quedarse en USA pero él prefirió volver a Argentina.

Santiago Grande Castelli was a jazz guitarist, composer, and arranger, and a friend of Joe Pass. While in New York, he arranged some songs for the trio Los Panchos, and they performed together. He was invited to stay in the USA, but he preferred to return to Argentina.

– Carlos Pueblas
Born: Rosario, Argentina, March 8, 1948

Artist: Danny Barker

As a teenager in 1966, I was taken on a trip to New Orleans by my mother. While there, we visited the New Orleans Jazz Museum where Barker was, if I remember correctly, the curator or manager. He spoke to us at length about class and race in music, pointing out that the board of the museum at that time was entirely white. Only after our return home, when we looked him up, did we discover who he was and the important role that he had played in jazz history.

– Sam Boskey
Born: Detroit, 1950

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

I worked with her, Keter Betts bass, Freddie Waits drums, and Tommy Flanagan piano and musical director. She was great every song, ran overtime. She was opening for the comedian Allan King. He told the band that, yes, Ella was running overtime, but he would adjust his act to accommodate Ella, because who was he to say anything to the great Ella Fitzgerald!

– Robert Rockwell III
Born: U.S.A., May 2, 1945

Club: 1369 Club

The 1369, a tiny club in Inman Square, often brought in headliners, and the George Adams Don Pullen Quartet with Dannie Richmond and Cameron Brown carried the evening, while the Celtics beat the Lakers on a tiny TV above the bar in the 7th game of the NBA Finals on June 12, 1984. Serendipity!

– Peter Caesar
Born: Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 8, 1953

Artist: Fred McDowell

Fred was instrumental, no pun intended, in motivating me to look deeper into Delta blues, and thus began a lifetime journey into a world unknown to most white folks like me. That journey led me to discover and record several great musicians living in the Detroit metro area, all of them arrived here in the late 1940s, including J. L. Hooker, Mr. Bo, Little Sonny (Aaron) Willis, Eddie Burns, Washboard Willie, and Willie Blackwell. This all came at the same time that I was able to get Sippie Wallace to perform once again. That led me to Bonnie Raitt, who was also motivated by Fred’s music and wonderful personality.

– Ronald Harwood
Born: West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist: Hermeto Pascoal

Thank you for posting the tribute to Hermeto Pascoal. I was very fortunate to have a close ten year performing and studying association with Jovino Santos Neto, his pianist, producer, etc., as well as attending master classes with Hermeto in the States (2005) and Brazil (2010).

That decade of tenure with Hermeto’s “Musica Universal” transformed the way I heard, approached, played, and internalized music. It was truly an ethereal experience, and I’ll be forever grateful for being able to experience such a unique and rare opportunity to be so intimately acquainted with who I believe is the “Bach of our time.”

Thanks again for the tribute to such a rare gift!

– Burt Boice
Born: N/A

Artist: Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday

I love Bird and Lady. My love introduced me to research and make books in Japanese about their lives.

– Chieo Yamada
Born: Tokyo, Japan, February 8, 1958

Artist: Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines

On honeymoon in ‘78 my wife and I went to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London to see ‘Fatha’. He had a quartet with a fabulous clarinetist. It was quite ‘theatrical’ with the clarinet player emerging from the audience to start the show off. ‘Fatha’ didn’t disappoint either. It was a great event!

– Stewart Forbes
Born: Scotland, November 25, 1961

Artist: Ronnie Cuber

My late wife, Sharon, was related to Roberta, Ronnie’s wife and manager. When he toured with Steve Gadd and Friends, Sharon and I were invited to attend their concert at Yoshi’s in Japantown in SF. That day I went Dungeness crab fishing and caught my limit of ten. We showed up to the concert and were invited backstage between sets. The band thoroughly enjoyed fresh crab more than the dinner served by Yoshi’s. The second time Roberta comped us was also in SF when Ronnie was touring with Dr. John, best live performance we had ever seen!

– Jon Dunn
Born: London, England, May 9, 1944

Artist: Bobby Watson

He was in my hometown with Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, 1981, 1st International Jazz Festival, including the two Marsalis brothers, great concert and dinner afterwards with all the Messengers.

– Miguel Angel Pérez Mart
Born: Valladolid, Spain, July 30, 1954

Artist: Gordon Goodwin

I enjoyed playing his arrangements as a piano player in the George Lake Big Band in Toronto.

– Ken Cory
Born: Canada, December 1, 1956

Artist: Ken Peplowski

This was at an evening concert at a Jazz Education Network conference in Louisville in the early 2010s. Shelly Berg was on piano. Ken played an old standard ballad, I wish I could remember which one. In his solo he stayed close to the melody, playing with intense feeling and beauty. I was amazed when throughout the hall I saw dozens of high school and college students rise in ovation, something I rarely saw for other performances at the conference.

– Bob Jacobson
Born: Providence City, Rhode Island, October 20, 1950

Artist: McCoy Tyner

Many years ago at the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival, McCoy Tyner appeared with his big band. I’ll never forget the command he had over that band, playing a full sized concert grand on the main stage in Hart Plaza. As a pianist myself, I realize the role that we play in a big band is minimal. This however was the opposite. McCoy’s piano was literally rocking the stage and there was no doubt who was in charge of this large ensemble. It is a memory that I think of any time I hear him play.

– Arlene McDaniel
Born: Livonia, Michigan, April 26, 1941

Artist: Count Basie

I saw Basie in one of his last performances in the UK, London South Bank, I think. He came on to the stage in an electric wheelchair and manoeuvred it to be in front of the piano. They brought out a wooden piano stool and he pulled himself up out of the wheelchair, which was taken away. The wooden piano stool was placed underneath him, and as it came down on to the wooden floor it squeaked, a high pitched squeak. Basie just stretched out to the right and hit the key which matched the pitch of the squeak. Years of ear training!!

– Paul Blythin
Born: Clacton, Essex, United Kingdom, October 1, 1947

Artist: Vi Redd

I remember hearing Vi Redd more than once at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach back in the 60s. I was very impressed by her soulful saxophone playing. Recently, I happily acquired one of her few vinyl albums, Bird Call. She should have received more recognition in the jazz world.

– Ken Cook
Born: Long Beach, California,  January 30, 1947 

Artist: Toshiko Akiyoshi

Sometime in the early 1960s, I was waiting in the bar for a Charles Mingus performance to begin at the Village Gate when Toshiko Akiyoshi came in, sat down at the piano, and played Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. The next time I saw her was when she and her husband, Lew Tabackin, were performing with their big band in Washington, DC, at Fort Dupont Park. I think it was in the 1980s.

– Tony Jordan
Born: New York City, New York, November 7, 1946

Artist: Jimi Hendrix

I went to se and hear Jimi Hendrix at the Columbia Meriweather Post pavilion in about 1968 when I was a teenager with my bass playing boyfriend Brooke. Jimi was great and his music was the best. He was attired in scarves and bell-bottoms and really played that guitar. I gasped when he got the weirdest sounds out of it by slamming it in the stage and then setting fire to it! So novel at that time. Also the usual Jimi prop of a tall thin blond came up on stage to dance during part of the act too. What a night!!!

– Janice B
Born: Baltimore, Maryland, February 22, 1952

Artist: Teddy Wilson

For several years Wilson would return to Copenhagen to perform in Timmes Club (Rosenkrantz) and the Tivoli Slukefter with local trios, NHOP, Ed Thigpen, Hugo Rasmussen, Mads Vinding, Bjarne Rostvold, etc. He became a friend and very often showed up after the gig before midnight, bringing a very small container with gin. Never touched it during the day. Then he would tell stories. He and Ben Webster had quite a few, Wilson’s were often a bit bitter, about the three wives pocketing all his earnings, etc. I had the pleasure of introducing TW to Erroll Garner one night at The Tivoli, respect. Later Webster challenged them both on playing stride piano. Oh what a night…

– Henrik Wolsgaard-Iversen
Born: Copenhagen, Denmark, January 1, 1938

Artist: Eddie Gomez

I met Eddie when he was playing with Bill Evans. He spent a little time with me and my friend after their set at Shelley Manne’s Manne Hole in Hollywood many, many moons ago. His playing was so in sync with the way Bill Evans played that it was a joy to listen to.

– Susan Sullivan
Born: Los Angeles, California, March 17.

Artist: Clark Terry

Clark Terry used to visit the University of New Hampshire twice a year to spread his gifts among the students. I served as his aide when he was on campus. He served as an adjunct professor. We also did an oral history together. He was very generous with his time. Great memories!

– Steve Dunfey
Born: Exeter, New Hampshire, April 18, 1957

Artist: George Bohanon

Just found out about you through researching audio evidence of my old friend George Bohanon. I spent a lot of time with and around George when he was in Detroit after his Chico Hamilton period. I was lucky to hang out with him in LA a couple of times after that. No particular memories other than the music. George was not the kind of cat who generates stories, he was such a calm, level headed guy who just played so beautifully. I do have stories from my days in Detroit, and before that Cleveland, people like Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Betty Carter, Terry Pollard, Roy Brooks, and many others less known who were friends that I would be glad to share.

– Bill McLarney
Born: Jamestown, New York, July 28, 1949

Artist: Sheila Jordan

Great presence, beautiful voice, and phrasing marked her then recent return to performing. It was a spirited performance at church that night.

– Peter Caesar
Born: Boston, Massachusetts, April 8, 1953

Artist: Maynard Ferguson

I saw this band play at the Blue Note in Chicago, and I have never forgotten the experience.

– Allan Anderson
Born: Berwyn, Illinois, October 3, 1937

Artist: Maynard Ferguson

My husband of 62 years, Donald Keat, and I had our first date at Birdland in June 1958. Maynard Ferguson and his Birdland Dream Band played. We stayed for both sets. Particularly memorable were Slide Hamilton and Maynard soloing on “Slid’s Derangement.” Many wonderful arrangements by Don Sebesky. Great memories of seeing that band many times, and after that, even Maynard’s Bebop Nuvo Big Band out in Central Pennsylvania, a long way from Birdland!

– Marilyn Keat
Born: Pottsville, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1941

Artist: Hoagy Carmichael

One of the most talented of American composers, in the second batch after Gershwin, Ellington, Rogers & Hart, Cole Porter. But as brilliant as Hoagy was, he did not write lyrics. Similar to another hero of that era, although a comedian, Jack Benny did not write the jokes. I often think of composers who work with lyricists; they are thinking of words as they compose. I know it works differently for each, but many jazz instrumentalists sing softly the words as they play if piano, or mentally if playing a horn.

– Robert Losick
Born: Weehawken, New Jersey, March 9, 1940

Artist: Maynard Ferguson

Maynard lived in Ojai, CA, where we lived from 1986 to 2005. His record company was located in Ojai. I used to see him shopping in the market from time to time. I saw Maynard and his big band perform for a fundraiser for Ojai High School in Port Hueneme in 1973. I also saw him and his big band perform in the gym at Nordhoff High in Ojai to raise funds for the music program at the high school. Maynard Ferguson was a fabulous trumpet player and bandleader. He was also a very talented composer and arranger. He also ran a successful record company.

– Wayne Flaaten
Born: Culver City, California, December 27, 1940

Artist: Tommy Dorsey

Sinatra always paid tribute to Tommy for teaching him how to breathe secretly.

– Robert Losick
Born: Weehawken, New Jersey, March 9, 1940

Artist: Johnny Mercer

In the 1970s, Johnny and my dad Jimmy Rowles wrote the song “Frazier (the Sensuous Lion)” and recorded it with Sarah Vaughan. I was about 13 and just starting to understand the joy my dad felt in creating music. The lyrics are so fun and clever, and what an amazing story. Frazier said, “Haste la vista, you think all these girls my seestah?” 🐾🐾🦁♥️ I love Jazz on the Tube. Thanks for all of the great music and stories.

– Stephanie Rowles
Born: Los Angeles, California, August 4, 1958

Artist: Roswell Rudd

I saw him play in the Yale Dixieland band when I was in Junior High School in Connecticut. Then he was a counselor for one summer at a camp in New Hampshire when I was a camper. Then, when I was in medical school in NYC in the late 1960s, I went to see him play in a small midtown jazz club. A few years ago, I went to hear Heather Masse sing at the Stone Mountain Art Center in Maine. After her performance, she was selling her CDs, and one was entitled August Love Song. How many recordings are there featuring a vocalist and a trombonist? It’s a wonderful album dating from 2016. Turns out they were neighbors in upstate New York. Rudd died the following year.

– Ted Walworth
Born: Washington, DC, January 30, 1945

Artist: David Amram

DA has been an ole friend with the youngest heart ever, we interviewed him for Vagabond’s Harlem’s Last Poet / Abiodun Oyewole from the Last Poets, all major participators in the USA’s Civil Rights movements from their inceptions. David’s emails to me would cover generations of musical and socio political povs through his experience amongst so many brilliant shakers, movers, and especially players. His love of Latin music is because he was smack in the middle of everyone’s clave. His advice has always been spot on because his joy of life and living is contagious. He’s definitely an original, and I cherish his amistad. Mi amigo Amram, a fellow scorpion, has always kept his tail up and continues to do so. My love and respect, hermano. Happy Barfday as well. Definitely a link between the Beats and spoken word.

– Tontxi Vazquez
Born: Nueva Yol

Artist: Chet Baker

I have seen Chet a few times throughout his career, and every time, in spite of his issues, he was flawless. He put together melodic lines better than anyone. His sound was warm and soulful. Many trumpet players try to emulate his beautiful sound, but there was only one Chet. This is a perfect example of his relaxed, beautiful style.

– Tom
Born: New Britain, Connecticut, December 6, 1957

Artist: Dave Brubeck

I spent many joyous evenings and afternoons with Dave in the US and overseas. He was a kind and gentle man with a good sense of humor. He was into many forms of music, including blues, which gave us plenty of runway for long conversations.

– Ronald Paul Harwood
Born: Detroit, Michigan, August 26, 1947

Artist: Paul Desmond

When I grew up, my dad had a 45 of Take Five and Blue Rondo à la Turk on the flip side. I remember listening to the latter, intrigued by the change after the 9/8 part. My dad told me that he had played this record so many times. “What you are hearing after the 9/8 part is the other side of the record.”

– Simon Planting
Born: Heemstede, Netherlands, July 25, 1953

Artist: Jim McNeely

I have known Jim McNeely since fourth grade. We were best friends through high school and stayed in touch after he left the Midwest. If you would like to see memories, photos, and music he composed and performed as a young man, please visit my Facebook page. I have shared everything there across about a dozen posts.

– Nick Talarico
Born: Chicago, Illinois, March 5, 1950

Artist: Fred Hersch

The first time I heard Fred Hersch was when he was a student at the New England Conservatory in the late 70s. Jaki Byard led the Conservatory’s big band, the [FANTASTIC!!] Apollo Stompers, every Wednesday night at Michael’s to give them an authentic club atmosphere beyond the Conservatory walls. Fred would wait patiently at the bar for Jaki to take a break from the piano (often he’d pick up his alto sax and just put a microphone into the bell of his horn and prance around, sometimes with visits from tap dancer Harriet Kennedy or singer Lee Genesis), giving Fred a turn on the bar’s upright piano. He never disappointed then or since.

– Peter Caesar
Born: Methuen, Massachusetts, April 8, 1953

Artist: Slim Gaillard

My dad, Morris Primack, was an original owner/investor in the Birdland nightclub in NYC. On my 11th birthday in 1951, he had me walk on stage at the club and had the patrons sing happy birthday to me. Appearing that night was Slim Gaillard, and it was he who led the singing. When I got on stage, Slim could see I was terrified, and he whispered to me that he would take care of me and not to be afraid. He called me Aurin O’Rooney and had this other language that he used, and it calmed me and made it quite a memorable occasion. A kind and lovely man.

– Aurin Primack
Born: New York City, New York, August 29, 1940

Artist: Andy Schumm

My special memory of Slim Gaillard is hearing him “fill in,” with his inimitable piano and vocal style, at the Brecon Jazz Festival (UK) in about 1986/87, while we waited for the Prague Syncopated Jazz Orchestra to arrive. Already in his 70s by then, he kept the audience entranced with his ad-lib performance for at least half an hour.

– Mike Moroney
Born: Barnet, Herts, London, March 19, 1939

Artist: Oscar Peterson

He mentored me before I even knew what a mentor was. I’d see him play every weekend at the above-mentioned hotel (Keele Street and Dufferin in Toronto). When I told him I got accepted to Miami-Dade Jr. College to begin studying my formal music studies, I told him that I hoped to go on to the University of Miami toward my Bachelor’s Degree and maybe a Master’s Degree.

He was more excited to hear this news than I was to have received it! Both my dreams of a formal music education resulted in scholarships in voice to study music at the University of Miami. He gave me one wisdom of teaching thought to never forget. He told me that with all the knowledge of the professors of music that I was about to learn from, he said, quote, “If you really want to learn to sing and sing well in the genres of pop and jazz, listen to Nat King Cole!” With that, he autographed a publicity shot of him at the piano with a Nat King Cole Songbook pictured with him. I still have that autographed photo and will always hold it dear to my heart. I miss you, Oscar, as does the rest of the world who so enjoyed your impeccable artistry!

– Nathan Brian Wine
Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 30, 1950

Artist: Pharoah Sanders

When learning that I was heading to NYC, my buddy Steve Gundy said, “If you see Pharoah, tell him I said hi.” Steve and Pharoah were close friends going back to their Oakland, CA days. When I got to the Village Gate, I saw Pharoah standing against a wall near the ticket booth with his eyes closed. I went up to him and said, “Steve Gundy said to say hi.” Pharoah’s face lit up, and he said, “Where is he?” I responded, “He’s in Sacramento.” Pharoah then closed his eyes and went back into himself.

– Lee Santa
Born: Rhode Island, December 30, 1943

Artist: Barney Kessel

I remember when the Brubeck gang was getting started, and they put out Jazz Goes to College. Barney Kessel appeared on one of those albums.

– Ronald Veenker
Born: May 13, 1937

Artist: Art Tatum

My German-born father, Hans Wildau, worshiped Art Tatum, having heard him for the first time in 1935 in Brussels, where he lived for a year on the way to the U.S. His first job was playing in a no-name club on the West Side of Cleveland. He had tickets for him and 11-year-old me for a Tatum performance at the Cotton Club in Cleveland that the pianist’s death precluded. There will never again be a jazz pianist his equal.

– Robert Wildau
Born: Cleveland, Ohio, February 8, 1944

Artist: Harry Allen

I first saw Harry Allen when he was a junior at Rutgers University playing with the late singer/pianist Ronny Whyte. In the many years since, I have seen Harry many, many times and was able to book him at several New Jersey Jazz Society JazzFests. For my ears, he is the premier tenor sax player on the scene today. Whether leading a band or playing as a sideman, he always sparkles with great tone, taste and imagination.

– Joe Lang
Born: Queens, New York, April 15, 1941

Artist: Thelonious Monk

I went to Far Rockaway High School where Harry Colomby was one of my teachers. Harry brought Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers there for a concert in 1956. The night before the concert Harry went to a club in the Village where they were playing to be sure they had the time and location right. That night he encountered Monk at the club where he was listening to Art and the group. Monk asked Harry for a ride home and that’s how Harry became Monk’s manager. Harry was instrumental in getting Monk’s cabaret card reinstated. In 1957 when Monk opened at the Five Spot Cafe, I was there.

– Alan Boss
Born: New York City, New York, October 26, 1939

Artist: Thelonious Monk

For some reason, Monk was playing a concert at Queensboro Community College. Charlie Rouse was part of the quartet, along with a bassist (Larry Gales?) and a drummer who showed up with just a snare and hi-hat. I was just a green teenager, but somehow I knew this would be special… and it was. Monk was into it: he danced off the stage during some of Rouse’s soloing, and he played in that jagged, harmonically rich style I love.

– Jay Singer
Born: New York City, New York, January 28, 1952

Artist: Thelonious Monk

I never saw him live, but ‘Round Midnight has been among my favorite tunes for as long as I can remember! When I think of the tune or hear it, Monk is not the image I get; it’s the singers who burned it into my soul. Hearing him play it is revelatory and nearly religious for me! What else did he compose? Need to research!

– Lou Judson
Born: USA, March 7, 1950

Artist: Ed Kelly

I had the honor and privilege of performing with Ed Kelly during the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. Pier 23 in San Francisco had a Tuesday night jazz gig/session with Dr. Kelly on organ, Robert Stewart on tenor sax, Babatunde Lea on drums, and me singing. We enjoyed surprising each other on the bandstand, and everyone came to play.

In 1994 I developed a jazz revue entitled “What Is This Thing Called Jazz?”, with my manager/partner Tup Lohse, and featuring SF Bay musicians—trumpeter Mike Vax, saxist Steve Heckman, bassist David Daniel, drummer Willis Kirk, and Dr. Kelly on piano. The revue also featured several singers and middle school/high school students from Contra Costa County.

Dr. Kelly was revered and respected in the SF Bay Area and beyond. His music made you smile, made you think, and always reminded you why you loved live jazz. You are missed, sir…

– Scotty Wright
Born: Charleston, South Carolina, November 5, 1954

Artist: Ed Kelly

Many decades ago I decided to try a jazz piano group class at Laney College in Oakland, CA. I was over 40 and could barely read music. Ed Kelly was not only a great musician, but also a great teacher. He met people, including me, at the level we were. I still play a blues he taught me. It has no name, just based on basic blues. I named it Ed’s Shuffle and taught it to many once I became a teacher myself. I also witnessed how he took under his wings young people in Oakland. Ed Kelly was a kind, warmhearted, and generous person!!

– Eva Oakland
Born: N/A

Artist: Howard Roberts

When I was a young guitarist I gave lessons in a music store called Village Music in Amityville. The owner of the store, Steve Shapiro, owned a Gibson Howard Roberts. It was a beautiful guitar. I’m surprised there aren’t more of them around.

– Bill Welch
Born: Amityville, New York, November 16, 1950

Artist: Jim Cullum

Very tidy arrangements of many 1920s jazz classics. My late wife and I had the pleasure of an evening at The Landing, on the Riverwalk in San Antonio about twenty years ago. He and his group also played at the Bix Festival in Davenport a number of times, including the Sunday morning service at the Presbyterian church—all very nice listening music. Just a part of my memories of many jazz performances we were able to share over our 64-year marriage.

– George A Chapman
Born: Lebanon, New Hampshire, March 11, 1934

Artist: Stan Kenton

My best friend’s brother was 4 years older than she was and had a 78 rpm set of Stan Kenton’s records. I was about 15 when I heard Artistry in Rhythm and other selections from his album. I was completely captivated by the harmonies and have been a fan since then. That was a long time ago.

– Ann McDonald
Born: Lubbock City, Texas, November 6, 1935

Artist: Jim Cullum

Saw Cullum’s band at their club on The Riverwalk. Loved the music more than I anticipated. The band was polished and tight. Jim was very engaging and spent time between tunes talking about the creativity of the original musicians.

– A.J. LaCourse
Born: Detroit, Michigan, December 3, 1949

Artist: John Coltrane

I always used to hang out with my brother’s older friends. The first time I heard Trane I was 13 years old, listening to Motown. I visited my brother’s friend Donald. He was listening to Coltrane’s OM. It completely blew my mind. I had never heard anything like it before. My only wish was that I would see Trane perform live. He died before I was old enough to go to a jazz club. But the impression OM made on me lingers to this day. Trane is my go-to when I need to go deep inside myself or lift my mood from sadness. Thank God for John Coltrane, a special individual and talent.

– Gregory Peck
Born: Bronx, New York, March 31, 1952

Artist: Benny Green

I first saw Benny with Betty Carter in the late 80s. As she always did, the Trio opened the show with a few tunes. This “kid” comes out looking barely out of high school, and as soon as he played a few bars, it was like, WOW! Where did he come from? What a great night of music.

– Lee Cohen
Born: USA, December 4, 1957

Artist: Dave Brubeck

Thirty years ago my wife gave me a surprise birthday present; it turned out to be dinner with Jon and his lovely wife Judith at Daniel Restaurant. I was so shocked I almost couldn’t eat; you see, L H & R has been my favorite group since I was 15, introduced to them by my older brother. Jon and Judith were so welcoming and gracious. We had a great dinner and wonderful conversation. The best part, they invited us to join them at the Blue Note to see Dave Brubeck. Probably the best night of my life (next to my great fortune of marrying my wonderful wife Sue, who made this all happen).

– John Coletti
Born: Providence, Rhode Island, December 12, 1944

Artist: Joe Venuti

Brilliant. My dad Harry was a swing violinist and member of Roy Fox Orchestra, and I grew up listening to many of his jazz 78s, especially his Joe Venuti ones. I must have nearly worn out our copy of Raggin’ The Scale with Adrian Rollini! Thank you for this lipxxx.

– David Balen
Born: London, England, September 21, 1948

Artist: Scott Hamilton

In 1982, I won a phone contest on WBGO, the Newark jazz station. The prize was an evening of Scott Hamilton playing in an Italian restaurant in Chelsea. The quartet played next to us and we had a great time. He played like an old big band man, and we loved his sound and vibe.

– Dennis Melillo
Born: Newark, New Jersey, 1951

Artists: Diz and Moody Quintet

I heard the group at the Lighthouse (Hermosa Beach) in December 1966 with a different rhythm section. Just as great. Candy Finch was the drummer.

– Rusty Higgins
Born: Ohio, 1950

Artist: Kenny Dorham

I was a participant in the CBA Jazz Band, NYC 1971. KD came to rehearsal one day and sat by me. I was excited, having seen him before when he came to Atlanta with Duke Pearson. I was studying the music at that time. I felt honored to be sitting next to him. He was a great musician and a dynamic composer of many compositions.

– Ronald Hampton
Born: November 23, 1942, Atlanta, Georgia.

Artist: Sonny Rollins

We saw Sonny at Ontario Place Forum. He played with a mediocre rhythm session, as usual, but he played masterfully. He spoke into his saxophone instead of a microphone.

– Ken Cory
Born: December 1, 1956, Cobourg, Canada

Artist: Martial Solal

Martial Solal’s album “Modern Sounds” on the Contemporary label was the first-ever jazz disc to win a renowned Grand Prix du Disque, usually reserved for classical recordings.

– Dr. Jules Black
Born: Sydney, Australia, March 7, 1940

Artists: Many of the artists in the 40s to now!

I grew up listening to a lot of jazz. When my husband passed at age 48, in 1994, I could not listen to songs with words. So I went back to jazz and found a lot of wonderful local jazz musicians.

– Claudia Hastings
Born: South. Carolina, October 28, 1948

Artist: George Shearing

I only saw George Shearing once in 1961 when he was presented by the Boxwood Concerts at the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, VA.

My other memory is of George David Weiss telling how, when he wrote lyrics for the song Lullaby of Birdland, he had to use the pseudonym B. Y. Forster since he was an ASCAP writer and Shearing was affiliated with BMI. This highlights the feud between the two performance rights organizations. It’s a fascinating piece of music history that demonstrates the economic and sociological factors that affected popular music and jazz.

– Tony Jordan
Born: New York City, New York, November 7, 1946

Artist: Lenny Breau

Unless he was born at home, I think Lenny was born in Lewiston, not in Auburn, Maine. There are two hospitals in Lewiston across the Androscoggin River from Auburn, and I suspect that he was born at St. Mary’s Hospital, given his French Catholic background. As a physician at St. Mary’s, I once treated Lenny for a minor problem, and I got to know his in-laws and his brother Denny, also a talented guitarist and singer. Lenny performed a few times with clarinetist Brad Terry, and there are some recordings of their sessions.

– Ted Walworth
Born: Washington, D.C., January 30, 1945

Artist: Philly Joe Jones

When I was 10 yrs old, I went into my father’s record collection of jazz artists and saw this strange-looking character on the album cover with the name Philly Joe Jones. The name on the cover: Blues for Dracula. He let me listen to it on our Hi-Fi, and I fell in love with it. There’s more I can say about this album, but I will be on this site all day. But thanks for allowing me to share this bit of my fondness for this guy. He was a great one.

– Adrian Davis
Born: Maryland, January 1, 1953

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