Willis Kirk, the Beat Man

I remember Willis back in 1953 when I entered Jordan College of Music (Butler University) at its beginning. Our music buildings were then located at 1204 & 1116 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis. These had been the estates of L.S. Ayres & William H. Block who were clothing store owners during the early days. My piano instructor, Lillian Brown (now Carson) took me to this college in preparation for music education. Of course I didn't even know what I wanted to do in music -- just learn and get the experience.

Willis was one of my first mentors. He was then sophomore/junior percussionist, studying on the G.I. bill (as were many in those days). My mother & father operated a small grocery store located on the corners of 25th Street and Sangster that serviced many Blacks in that area. It was from this experience they knew the Kirk family and the day Willis was born. At the university, I believe that Dr. Charles Henzie was his primary percussion teacher

The Kirk Family grew up on the East side of Indianapolis at 25th & Caroline Avenues There were many Kirks. Willis or "little Willis" as he was called at that time, studied at IPS 37; probably at IPS 26 and possibly graduated from Crispus Attucks High School.

You can imagine how I felt to see that Willis had been awarded a honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Butler University. He completed his bachelor's in 1956; masters in 1964 and moved to California working in the Oakland City area. He was president of City College from 1989 to 1991.

I know that music instructors, Dean Ehlert, Mrs. Stratton, Dr. William Pelz, Dr. Harold Johnson of the olden days would be super proud to know that one of their students had earned this distinction.

My quips only!