Miriam Makeba

R.I.P. Miriam Makeba,
originally uploaded by Haags Uitburo.

My story began with a phone call from Mrs. Rita T, who had won tickets on Radio Station WIBC in Indianapolis, early 70's. Rita did not want to attend a concert, never knowing that she was missing the marvelous Miriam Makeba.

I took the tickets, attended the concert and met several gentlemen who invited me to join them for a wine & cheese chat. Of course there was more to eat than wine & cheese. The concert was held on the IMA Terrace that overlooked the White River Parkway that winds behind the art museum.

To my sad hearing was the news that Miriam passed on Monday, November 10 (age 76) following a concert. After coming to New York and joining the Manhattan Brothers jazz group with many performances; she married the well known Black Panther, Stokley Carmichael. To this marriage was born one daughter, Bonji who passed in 1985 as a result of childbirth.

Miriam is best known for the click song. I'm glad to have been in her presence and heard this lovely voiced woman. She gave it her all!

Art Tatum

Art Tatum,
originally uploaded by cuyahogabend.

I got curious and looked up Art Tatum on the advice of a friend who was a great lover of this jazz pianist. Art (a Buckeye) was born in Toledo, OH October 13, 1909. Even though nearly blind, his main influences were Fats Waller & Earl Hines.

He began playing professionally as a teenager in 1926; had his own radio show during 1929-1930 and only moved to New York when hired by singer Adelaide Hall as one of her two pianists. He also played in many bars, dives & halls in NYC, Cleveland, Chicago & Los Angeles, visiting England in 1938. He began his initial recording as a soloist in 1933.

Due to his irregular playing with changes of keys and tempos, Art generally played alone. He did however, organize a trio of Tiny Grimes (electric guitarist) and Slam Stewart (bassist) who later joined Benny Goodman after the trio broke up.

Art was admired in awe by most all in the jazz world including Nat King Cole. He was an inspiration for the late Oscar Peterson and the bebop generation that followed.
Art Tatum passed on November 5, 1956 at age 47 from uremia.
Listen to him on Gershwin's Greats and Volume 2, Jazz Pianists.

Kevin Mahogany

kevin mahogany_5282,
originally uploaded by vladrus.

I remember meeting and being in the midst of a Jazz concert held in Manhattan, Kansas City Park in summer of 2005. Kevin was one of the guest artists having been invited to by Greg Carroll.

Later researching on Kevin, I discovered that he was a native of Kansas City, Missouri. His earlier training in elementary and high school was on the saxophone; later he graduated from Baker University with BFA. It was following his university graduation that he turned to the vocal side. He was swayed much by the vocal style of Al Jarreau.

Kevin began with a road group of vocal, bass viol and piano. From these road concerts Kevin developed his own recording label and produced a number of recordings. When not in Europe, he travels with road concerts still to this day. He gave a wonderful performance in Manhattan, Kansas that is a little slow on receiving the jazz world. Kevin is in concert many times presently at the Kansas City, Missouri Art Museum, located at 18th & Vine Streets.

Ernie, Ernie Hogan

Ernest Hogan (born Ernest Reuben Crowdus, Jr., on April 17, 1865) was prior to the well-known Ragtime Scott Joplin. Bowling Green, Kentucky is still known today as the "Shake Rag" city. A grave marker will be installed on the centennial anniversary of his death on May 20, 1909.

Bowling Green's May Elaine Walker called Hogan's legacy one of the unsung hero.

The marker is a way to preserve much of lost Black history of Bowling Green (Warren County) especially in shake Rag.

Hogan's career stems across the theater performances including minstrel songs. He joined a minstrel traveling show at the age of 12 and hones his musical & comedic talents. His first big hit was the first of a new genre of music which coined ragtime, in 1895. Joplin picked up the ragtime style in his 1898 composition "Maple Leaf Rag."

I'm excited to know that in 1906, Hogan appeared at the Park Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana that is now the location of St. Rita's & St. Frances Roman Catholic Church/School.

Dakota Staton

dakota staton,
originally uploaded by jerkingchicken.

I met this lovely lady who sang for the first Convention of the Indiana Black Expo. Her appearance was in the American Legion Mall. People on their blankets sat on the grassy hillside to hear this concert.
When the concert concluded, my friend ML & I decided to stop in IHOP at 16th & Meridian Streets for an early breakfast (even though the hour was both late & early).
Who should appear but Miss Dakota Staton. She came over to our table that had seating for 4 and asked if she could join us. Of course we said "yes" and then the talk was on.
Her husband later joined us and continued the conversation. He was on his way to New York City and conferred with Dakota concerning how he would leave a package in her mailbox. A simple matter, but one that needed clarification. ML & I discussed her latest album and how the Black Expo managed to seek her out.
You never think of meeting the "real" person when you merely listen to an album..but her she was and wow, what a sweet person.

My Newest Toy

On May 13, 2008 I completed my purchase of a 21 string autoharp. I stopped at Rick's Music (Manhattan, KS) and picked up the case. It will be used to present music expressions to the children of the Cultural Academy of Manhattan.

Each Monday, I make this beautiful trip as the Music Lady. Children ages 2, 3 and 4 are always waiting for the excitement of having music time. There is always something new - this week will be the Show & Tell time for me...wow, what a time is to be expected - even at my age..go, go, girl!

Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life

Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life,
originally uploaded by dereck von.

It was in Summer of 1968 when I heard an ambulance wailing past my home at 3911 Clarendon Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana. Later to my dismay I discovered that it went to the residence of the infamous West Montgomery. His album "A Day in the Life" had many evenings put my children to sleep. They enjoyed it greatly and would ask that I have it repeated on the stereo player.
After Wes' passing, the album became even more popular among the jazz greats of Indianapolis and you would hear people whisper his name. At the night clubs, patrons would ask for selections from this album. Even when I visited Mr. B's in Chicago, the Ramsey Lewis Trio played one of the selections...do I remember Wes, yes!

Walker Theatre Building

In this building housed the Madame C. J. Walker Beauty Shop, School of Cosmetology, that was upstairs and serviced ladies with hosiery, facial supplies, the Coffee Pot (that supplied food service) to the community of Indianapolis and a movie show. The Black community shadowed around this area, including the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. You could go to the beauty shop and when you left, just put on your evening gown and attend the jazz sessions. Down on Indiana Avenue, the Sunset Club was the main spot for most entertainers.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt Autograph,
originally uploaded by boozemovies.

Eartha! Eartha! Earth!..the only one who all should see and hear. If I could have one wish it would be to meet this lovely lady in person. I have always enjoyed her lovely handling of the French language with its satire, demeanor and presentation.

Although born in the USA (Southland), she is one that has taken off in her own way and expressed herself in singing. Millions have enjoyed her lovely and "cat-like" ways in arousing her audiences. Even today on the radio stations across America, you will know this unusual voice and can identify Eartha! Eartha! Eartha!

Greg Carroll

I've heard and worked with Greg Carroll at the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) in Manhattan while he was the Director of Jazz Education. He hailed from Denver, Colorado and a number of cities after graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder. His expertise is with the xylophone and percussion instruments.

While in Manhattan, KS he organized a group names Midnight Blue Quintett. He also worked with developing the music department at Bethel AME Church. Greg was responsible for having a number of musicians come to the worship service and had them deliver selections of a traditional style.

In 2007, he assumed the position as Director of the African American Jazz Institute, now located in Kansas City, Missouri. The institute is located in the 18th & Vine district, well known.

Quincy Jones, Robert Flack & Donny Hathaway

Once in 1969, GC & I motored to Chicago to visit with his sister. While there we traveled to Skokie, Illinois to attend a 2:00am musical show at the Old Mill Run Theatre. Quincy had as his musical guests Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.

At this performance, Quincy also introduced his daughter Rashida who was on her maiden voyage with the group. She was about 19 years old. Roberta & Donny were very popular at this time; together they performed several duets. Roberta was well known for her rendition of Carol King's "Natural Woman".
My children at that time would go to sleep with Roberta's 33 1/3 playing her selections.

The Skokie, Illinois show was great; very well attended and into the beat of the performing group.

Horace, Horace, Horace Silver

Classic Jazz Albums No. 10,
originally uploaded by Never Slim.

I do remember seeing in concert this wonderful musician. Well do I think now of "Senor Blues". Horace & Quintet performed at the Indiana Show (West Washington Street between Illinois & Capitol Avenues) in 1959.

Horace played "Senor Blues" for approximately 20 minutes alone, even though members of his quintet attempted to do their solos, it was quite evident that Horace was into his own thing. The concert hall was packed and the 2 hour program was a constant performance with much applause.

Memories of Dr. Billy Taylor

Dr. Billy Taylor 1,
originally uploaded by Ed Berger.

My memory of being in one of Dr. Taylor's concerts was at Kansas State University (All Faith's Chapel) in Spring 2007. He had spent that morning with Dr. Wayne Goins and his jazz students. He later conducted a "free" open forum that evening.

At the age of nearly 80, he was sharp in mind as well with the fingers. He exhibited how one can take a melody and do variations in a jazz idiom. Taylor demonstrated piano jazz versions of some old songs. Even though many adults were present, there were little ones there too. He took questions from the audience and did an autograph sign party following the program.

His visit was sponsored by the International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE)that is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The Assocation was begun several years ago by Matt Betton who felt that jazz inovation would be an important factor in future music.

Tribute to Dr. Oscar Peterson

While living in Manhattan, Kansas I received television news on Christmas Day that Oscar Peterson, the great jazz pianist passed on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2007 in Canada..sad for the world of great musicians. I had last seen him in Indianapolis with Ella Fitzgerald some years ago. The news was very much unexpected as I had just spoken with someone about Oscar; was hoping to see him in concert "one more time"..... now in the heavenly courts.