Jazz Musicians
Davis, Miles (1926-1991)
An innovator in hard bop and fusion, Davis came to New York to study at the Juilliard School of Music. In 1959, he released the studio album Kind Of Blue, one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time.
Ellington, Duke (1899-1974)
Often considered "America’s greatest composer," Ellington received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. His career spanned more than fifty years, and included illustrious compositions such as "Satin Doll," "Mood Indigo," and "Solitude."
Handy, William Christopher “W.C.” (1873-1958)
The "Father of the Blues” was born in Florence, Alabama, and rose to fame when his songs were published and played across America. His signature song, "St. Louis Blues," is inscribed on his grave. He is also know for writing "Beale Street Blues" and "Memphis Blues."
Hampton, Lionel (1908-2002)
The “King of the Vibes” was a composer, bandleader and great philanthropist. His recording "Flying Home" is considered one of the most influential recordings in American musical history.
Hawkins, Coleman (1904-1969)
Credited as the jazz pioneer that turned a comic tenor saxophone into a romantic horn, Hawkins played with the Fletcher Henderson orchestra when he first came to New York. The Missouri native is best remembered for his classic 1939 recording "Body and Soul."
Jacquet, Jean Baptiste “Illinois” (1923-2004)
Jacquet created an entirely new style and sound for the tenor saxophone in the early 1940’s, elevating the instrument to a colorful and pre-eminent role in the world of jazz music. In 1942, at the age of nineteen, Jacquet was catapulted to immediate international fame with his classic solo on the very first recording of his career, "Flying Home."
Jackson, Milt (1923-1999)
Jackson was one of the co-founders of the famous Modern Jazz Quartet, whose popularity he attributed to "an uncanny ability to take classical music and improvise on it, integrating it with jazz and pop."
McLean, Jackie (1932-2006)
Born in New York, alto saxophone player McLean started out at a young age with many of the jazz greats including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Art Blakey. He was recognized as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts and was the founder of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford.
Oliver, Joseph “King” (1885-1938)
The leader of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band served as a mentor to Louis Armstrong and is credited with giving the young musician his first coronet. A New Orleans native, Oliver recorded duets with pianist Jelly Roll Morton and is considered one of early pioneers of jazz music.
Roach, Maxwell Lamuel “Max” (1924-2007)
Drummer, percussionist and composer, Roach was considered one of the most important influencers on jazz. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus and Clifford Brown. Roach was an activist in the civil rights movement.
