A Great Night in Harlem - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Jazz Foundation of America

The Jazz Foundation of America is a non-profit organization based in Manhattan, New York founded in 1989. The JFA’s programs help jazz and blues musicians in need of emergency funds and connect them with performance opportunities in schools and the community...

is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Non-profit organization

Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...

that created A Great Night in Harlem Benefit Concert in 2001 to raise money for the Jazz Foundation's Musician Emergency Fund.

History

In August 2000 Wendy Oxenhorn joined the Jazz Foundation of America

Jazz Foundation of America

. She was hired as Executive Director of the Jazz Foundation and their sole employee. When she learned there was only $7000 left in the fund, she asked if they could do a concert at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

to raise the much needed money. She was told they could not, since she was not a concert producer, but mostly, because there was no money to rent the Apollo.

Wendy went to the newest board member, Jarrett Lilien, who worked at E-Trade Financial Corp. and asked him for advice. He said she should give it a try and that he would put the money up to rent the Apollo.

In September 2001, the first annual A Great Night In Harlem Benefit Concert at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

happened. It was the first concert in 50 years to bring jazz music back to the Apollo. It raised $350,000 and over 65 jazz Legends came out to perform.

By this time, the emergency caseload had tripled, and they were now helping 150 musician cases. A young woman named Lauren Roberts who was 22 years old and had just graduated from Vassar College

Vassar College

Vassar College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, in the United States. The Vassar campus comprises over and more than 100 buildings, including four National Historic Landmarks, ranging in style from Collegiate Gothic to International,...

joined Wendy, and together they ran the Jazz Foundation of America, making the day to day happen, handling an average of 10 cases a day.

Because of the success of the A Great Night in Harlem Wendy initiated the Jazz in the Schools Program and Lauren ran it. Wendy did the social work and the fund raising, while the Jazz in the Schools generated employment for more than 400 elderly musicians in NYC since 9/11.

More and more cases were coming in and the annual A Great Night In Harlem concert was the only major funding source. Each year it grew, along with the Foundation's caseload.

Jarrett Lilien, the man who helped fund the first Apollo "Great Night In Harlem" Concert stepped up to the plate, along with the his partners at E-Trade Financial Corp., and they started the first Musicians Emergency Housing Fund. this program enabled the Jazz Foundation to pay rents and keep mortgages from foreclosure. The Jazz Foundation of America was now able to support hundreds of elderly musicians who had fallen behind due to illness or age, keeping hundreds from eviction and homelessness.

Jarrett Lilien became the first president of the JFA. Within months, he was also made president of E-Trade Financial Corp. The Jazz Foundation had become a national organization helping musicians across the country. They were now handling approximately 500 emergency musician cases a year.

Album

A Great Night in Harlem was also released as a 2 Dic CD set:

Category: Rock/Pop Albums, Jazz CDs, Jazz Instrument, Latin, Live Performances, Jazz Collections, Oldies Collections

Label: Playboy Jazz

Orig Year 2002

All Time Sales Rank: 172596

CD Universe Part number: 3441738

Discs: 2

Release Date: Feb 25, 2005

Studio/Live: Live

Mono/Stereo: Stereo

Producer: John Burk (Compilation)

Engineer: Josiah Gluck

Features solo and combo recordings of various jazz musicians during a benefit concert for the Jazz Musicians Emergency Relief Fund. Proceeds from the sale of this CD goes to this fund.

Recorded live at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

, New York, New York on September 24, 2001. Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff

Nat Hentoff

Nathan Irving "Nat" Hentoff is an American historian, novelist, jazz and country music critic, and syndicated columnist for United Media and writes regularly on jazz and country music for The Wall Street Journal....

.

"Sunset & The Mockingbird" (Tommy Flanagan) was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award

Grammy Award

A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...

s for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.

"To say this once-in-a-lifetime musical gathering made for 'A Great Night In Harlem' is an understatement! Many of jazz's greatest living musicians came together for the benefit of the Jazz Musicians Emergency Relief Fund. That magical night in Harlem has been preserved in a special 2 CD set for all to enjoy. Artists include Randy Brecker, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Regina carter, Jimmy Owens, Cassandra Wilson, Lou Donaldson and many more. 2002."

2001

In 2001 Ms. Oxenhorn conceived of the idea for A Great Night in Harlem during her first year as Executive Director of the JFA in 2000, while sick with the flu. She recalls being on her couch, watching a 1994 documentary about jazz musicians called A Great Day in Harlem, when she first got the idea to give her clients the opportunity to perform at a benefit show. The first concert, which took place in 2001, raised $350,000 for the foundation's Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund, and every year since the event has grown.

On Monday, September 24, 2001 The Jazz Foundation presented the first A Great Night in Harlem at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, at 7 p.m.

The performance was MC'd by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...

, and Gil Noble, host of WABC-TV's Sunday television show Like It Is

Like It Is

This article is about the movie. For other uses see, Like It Is .Like It Is is a 1998 British gay-themed romance film. It stars Steve Bell, Ian Rose, Roger Daltrey and Dani Behr.-Plot summary:...

.

The benefit for the Jazz Musicians' Emergency Fund included performances by:
Frank Foster

Frank Foster (musician)

Frank Foster was an American tenor and soprano saxophonist, flautist, arranger, and composer. Foster collaborated frequently with Count Basie and worked as a bandleader from the early 1950s.-Biography:...

's "Swing Plus" Dance Band

Featuring: Frank Green

Frank Green

Frank Green , son of Sir Edward Green, 1st Baronet, a Yorkshire ironmaster and Mary Lycett, was a British industrialist. His father, Edward Green was a Conservative politician and wealthy industrialist....

, Jeremy Pelt, Cecil Bridgewater

Cecil Bridgewater

-Biography:Bridgewater was born in Urbana, Illinois and studied at the University of Illinois. He and brother Ron formed the Bridgewater Brothers Band in 1969, and in the 1970s he was married to Dee Dee Bridgewater. In 1970 he played with Horace Silver, and following this with Thad Jones and Mel...

(trumpets)

Clark Gaton, Slide Hampton

Slide Hampton

Locksley Wellington "Slide" Hampton is an American jazz trombonist, composer and arranger.He was a 1998 Grammy Award winner for "Best Jazz Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist", as arranger for "Cotton Tail" performed by Dee Dee Bridgewater...

(trombones)

Bruce Williams, Keith Loftis, James Stewart (Saxophones)

Danny Mixon

Danny Mixon

Daniel Asbury Mixon is an American jazz pianist.Mixon is a talented pianist who gained some attention in the 1970s and who continues to record and to play in New York and abroad. He started off as a tap dancer, attending the Ruth Williams Dance Studio...

(piano, Earl May (bass), Dave Gibson

Dave Gibson

David "Dave" Weddernburn Gibson was a Scottish footballer who played for Livingston United, Hibernian, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Exeter City and the Scotland national team....

(drums)

Joanne Brackeen

Joanne Brackeen

Joanne Brackeen is an American jazz pianist and music educator.-Biography:She was born Joanne Grogan in Ventura, California. She attended the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, but devoted herself to jazz by imitating Frankie Carle albums...

(piano), Ron Carter

Ron Carter

Ron Carter is an American jazz double-bassist. His appearances on over 2,500 albums make him one of the most-recorded bassists in jazz history, along with Milt Hinton, Ray Brown and Leroy Vinnegar. Carter is also an acclaimed cellist who has recorded numerous times on that...

(bass), Jimmy Cobb

Jimmy Cobb

-External links:* - includes full discography* * * * * * *...

(drums)

Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto was a Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican jazz musician.-Early years:Barretto was born in New York City of Puerto Rican descent...

, Paquito D'Rivera

Paquito D'Rivera

Paquito D'Rivera is a Cuban alto saxophonist, clarinetist and soprano saxophonist. The winner of multiple Grammys and other awards, D'Rivera has lived in the United States since the early 1980s. He has worked in a variety of contexts, but is perhaps best known for playing Latin...

(sax), Randy Brecker

Randy Brecker

Randal "Randy" Brecker is an American trumpeter and flugelhornist. He is a highly sought after performer in the genres of jazz, rock, and R&B, and has performed or recorded with Stanley Turrentine, Billy Cobham, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Sandip Burman, Charles Mingus, Blood, Sweat & Tears,...

(trumpet)

Nnenna Freelon

Nnenna Freelon

Nnenna Freelon, , is an American jazz singer, composer, producer, and arranger. She has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for her vocal work, and has performed and toured with such top artists as Ray Charles, Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Dianne Reeves, Diana Krall,...

(vocals), with trio Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron , is an American jazz pianist. He is the younger brother of tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, and known for his lyrical, adaptive style.-Biography:...

, Peter Washington

Peter Washington

Peter Washington is a jazz double bassist. He initially played classical bass and played with the Westchester Community Symphony at 14. Later he worked with electric bass and in rock bands. He went on to study English at the University of California, Berkeley...

, Ben Riley

Ben Riley

Ben Riley is an American hard bop drummer known for his work with Thelonious Monk, as well as Alice Coltrane, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Barron, and as member of the group Sphere...

, and Jon Faddis

Jon Faddis

Jon Faddis is an American jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer, and educator renowned for both his highly virtuosic command of the instrument and for his expertise in the field of music education...

Jam Session #1

Chris Anderson, John Ore, Louis Hayes, Slide Hampton, Steve Turre &n Benny Powell, Phill Woods,Don Braden, Howard Johnson, and Melvin Sparks

Melvin Sparks

Melvin Sparks was an American soul jazz, hard bop and jazz blues guitarist. He recorded a number of albums for Prestige Records, later recording for Savant Records...

Chika

Chika is both a Japanese and Igbo name. It means 'God is supreme' in Igbo.-Possible writings in Japanese:Chika can be written using different kanji characters and can mean:*千佳, "thousand, excellent"*千夏, "thousand, summer"...

, Danny Mixon

Danny Mixon

, Dave Gibson, James Commack, Jimmy Owens, and Russel Malone.

Tommy Flanagan Trio

Jam Session # 2

Antonio Hart

Antonio Hart

Antonio Hart is a jazz alto saxophonist. He attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, studied with Andy McGhee at Berklee College of Music, and has a master's degree from Queens College, City University of New York. His initial training was classical, but he switched to jazz in college...

, Charles Davis

Charles Davis (flute player)

Charles Davis is a jazz flautist, currently living in Germany.-List of recordings:* 1983 - Folkjazz Duo - Charles Davis & Stefan Schmidt...

, Cecil Payne

Cecil Payne

Cecil Payne was a jazz baritone saxophonist born in Brooklyn, NY. Payne also played the alto saxophone and flute...

, Junior Mance

Junior Mance

Julian Clifford Mance, Jr. is an American jazz pianist and composer.-Biography:...

, Jamil Nasser, Billy Hart, and Steve Turre

Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron , is an American jazz pianist. He is the younger brother of tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, and known for his lyrical, adaptive style.-Biography:...

& Regina Carter

Regina Carter

Regina Carter is an American jazz violinist. She is the cousin of famous jazz saxophonist James Carter.-Early life:...

Casandra Wilson
Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal is an innovative and influential American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. According to Stanley Crouch, Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker...

Trio and James Commack, Idris Muhammad

Idris Muhammad

Idris Muhammad is a jazz drummer. He changed his name in the 1960s upon his conversion to Islam. He is known for his funky playing style. He has released a number of albums as leader, and has played with a number of jazz legends including Lou Donaldson, Johnny Griffin, Pharoah Sanders and Grover...

, and George Coleman

George Coleman

George Edward Coleman is an American hard bop saxophonist, bandleader, and composer, known chiefly for his work with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock in the 1960s.-Biography:...

Jam Session #3

Etta Jones

Etta Jones

Etta Jones was an American jazz singer. She is not to be confused with the more popular singer Etta James nor her namesake, a member of the Dandridge Sisters, who recorded with Jimmy Lunceford and was Gerald Wilson's first wife. Her best known recordings were "Don't Go To Strangers" and "Save...

, Irene Reid

Irene Reid

Irene Reid was an American jazz singer.Reid was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. She sang in church and in high school in Georgia, and moved to New York City in 1947 after her mother died. Toward the end of 1947, she tied out for an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and won the...

, Melba Joyce, Hilton Ruiz, Roncarter, and Ben Riley. Plus Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson is a jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Badin, North Carolina. He is best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to playing the alto saxophone, although in his formative years he was, as many were of the bebop era, heavily influenced by Charlie Parker.His first recordings were...

, and Frank Wess

Frank Wess

Frank Wess is an American jazz musician, who has played saxophone and flute.-Biography:...

.

Fanfare for Four Trumpets (composed by Frank Foster) Reandy Brecker, Cecil Bridgewater, Clark Terry, and Jimmy Owens.

Award Ceremony

Dr. Frank Forte & Englewood Hospital & Medical Center presented by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Herb Storfer (JFA Co-Founder) presented by Leo Corbie & Wendy Atlas Oxenhorn

Cobi Narita presented by Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

Anna Marie Wooldridge , better known by her stage name Abbey Lincoln, was a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress. Lincoln was unusual in that she wrote and performed her own compositions, expanding the expectations of jazz audiences.-Biography:Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was one of many...

The performance featured such numbers as: No Greater Love, If I Had You, Devil's in My Den
Don't Explain, A Solo by Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes

Roy Owen Haynes is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Haynes is among the most recorded drummers in jazz, and in a career lasting more than 60 years has played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing and bebop to jazz fusion and avant-garde jazz...

, Fanfare for Four Trumpets, Sunset and the Mockingbird, Death Letter, Con Alma, We Have a Friend in Jesus, Every Day I Have the Blues, and Wee.

The 2002 recording of A Great Night in Harlem was released as a 2 CD set by Playboy Jazz PBD2-7502-2. All the profits from the sale of this 2CD set benefit the Jazz Foundation of America’s Jazz Musicians’ Emergency Fund.

2002

On September 26, 2002, the Jazz Foundation of America hosted the second annual fund-raising concert, again at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

in Harlem.

Performances in order of appearance:

Pre-Show:

Mark Whitfield

Mark Whitfield

Mark Whitfield is an American hard bop and soul-jazz guitarist born in Syosset, New York, probably better known for his recordings as bandleader for both the Verve and Warner Bros. Records record labels...

and his Son Mark Jr.

Tri-Factor: Hamiet Bluiett

Hamiet Bluiett

Hamiet Bluiett is an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. His primary instrument is the baritone saxophone, and he is considered one of the finest living players of this instrument...

, Billy Bang

Billy Bang

Billy Bang was an American free jazz violinist and composer.-Biography:...

& Kahil El Zabar

Pete Cosey

Pete Cosey

Pete Cosey is an African-American guitarist most famous for playing with Miles Davis' band between 1973 and 1975. His fiercely flanged and distorted guitar bore comparisons to Jimi Hendrix...

, Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz is an American alto and soprano saxophonist and clarinetist.Bartz graduated from the Baltimore City College high school and The Juilliard School...

, John Stubblfield, J.T. Lewis, Baba Israel, Melvin Gibbs

Melvin Gibbs

Melvin Gibbs is an American bass guitarist, composer, and producer who has appeared on close to 200 albums in diverse genres of music. Gibbs has been called "the best bassist in the world" by Time Out New York magazine....

Showtime:

Jim Hall

Jim Hall (musician)

James Stanley Hall is an American jazz guitarist.-Biography:Educated at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Hall moved to Los Angeles where he began to attract national, and then international, attention in the late 1950s...

& Ron Carter

Ron Carter

with Joe Lovano

Joe Lovano

Joseph Salvatore "Joe" Lovano is a post bop jazz saxophonist, alto clarinetist, flautist, and drummer. Since the late 1980s, Lovano has been one of the world's premiere tenor saxophone players, earning a Grammy award and several nods on Down Beat magazine's critics' and readers' polls...

and Lewis Nash

Lewis Nash

Lewis Nash is an American jazz drummer. According to Modern Drummer magazine, Nash has one of the longest discographies in jazz. and has played on over 400 records by musicians, earning him the honor of being named Jazz's Most Valuable Player by the magazine in it's May, 2009 issue...

Gil Noble

Gil Noble is an American television reporter and interviewer. He was the producer and host of New York City television station WABC-TV's weekly, Like It Is, originally co-hosted with Melba Tolliver...

Hosts:

Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

& Hank Jones

Hank Jones

Henry "Hank" Jones was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Critics and musicians described Jones as eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable. In 1989, The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the NEA Jazz Masters Award...

performed, "The Nearness of You

The Nearness of You

"The Nearness of You" is a popular song, written in 1938 by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Ned Washington.The biggest selling 1938 version was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, with a vocal by Ray Eberle...

."

Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto

Ray Barretto was a Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican jazz musician.-Early years:Barretto was born in New York City of Puerto Rican descent...

and his Latin Ensemble with guest David Sanchez, John Bailey, John Di Martino, Vince Cherico, Hans Glawischnig, and Miguel Zenon.

Tribute to Widows by T. S. Monk

T. S. Monk

T. S. Monk is an American jazz drummer, composer and bandleader. He is the son of fellow jazz musician, Thelonious Monk.-Biography:...

Jazzberry Jam: with Bertha Hope

Paula Hampton, [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Kim_A._Clarke Kim Clarke], Sue Terry

Sue Terry

"Sweet" Sue Terry is a jazz saxophonist and composer.While a student at the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut, Terry was a protégé of saxophonist Jackie McLean. McLean encouraged her to move to New York City, where she was later mentored by Clifford Jordan, Junior Cook and Barry Harris, who...

, with Special Guest Chika

Chika

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

& Friends: with Eddie Bert

Eddie Bert

Eddie Bert is an American bebop jazz trombonist.His first job as a musician came in 1940 when he joined the Sam Donahue Orchestra, and then joined up with Red Norvo in 1941, later performing also with the bands of Stan Kenton and with Benny Goodman's bebop orchestra.He also recorded extensively as...

, Winard Harper, Earl May,Harold Maybern, Cecil Payne, Jon Faddis

Jon Faddis

, Danny Moore

Danny Moore

Danny Moore is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A national and state representative player, his club career was played principally with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Sydney....

, Howard Johnson, Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath

James Edward Heath , nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath.-Biography:...

, Eric Alexander, Andrew Nemr: "Just Friends"

Joe Piscopo

Joe Piscopo

Joseph Charles John "Joe" Piscopo is an American comedian and actor best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.-Early life:...

, Mike Lee, Tony DeSare, Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli

John Paul "Bucky" Pizzarelli is an American Jazz guitarist and banjoist, and the father of jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli and upright bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Pizzarelli has also worked for NBC as a staffman for Dick Cavett and also ABC with Bobby Rosengarden in...

Joe Lee Wilson, Junior Mance, Benny Powell, Bob Cranshaw,Charles Davis, Tootie Heath, Wendy Oxenhorn, Winard Harper: "Pink Champagne

Pink Champagne

Pink Champagne was a Swedish feminist punk band in the 1980s. It consisted of four women, Stina Berge , Ann Carlberger , Karin Jansson and Gunilla Welin . Kajsa Grytt was briefly a member...

"

Freddie Hubbard

Freddie Hubbard

Frederick Dewayne "Freddie" Hubbard was an American jazz trumpeter. He was known primarily for playing in the bebop, hard bop and post bop styles from the early 1960s and on...

Octet: George Coleman, (Featured Soloist)"Red Clay", Jimmy Greene, and others.

George Benson, Lennie White, Buster Williams,James Williams, Candido, and Nicky Marrero. and was hosted by several celebrities.

Awards Segment:

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

presented awards to Dr. Jack McConnell, and Congressman John Conyers

John Conyers

John Conyers, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1965 . He is a member of the Democratic Party...

Skitch Henderson

Lyle Russell Cedric “Skitch” Henderson was a pianist, conductor, and composer. His nickname reportedly derived from his ability to quickly "re-sketch" a song in a different key.- Biography :...

presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

and Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

.

Dr. Billy Taylor

Billy Taylor

Billy Taylor was an American jazz pianist, composer, broadcaster and educator. He was the Robert L. Jones Distinguished Professor of Music at East Carolina University in Greenville, and since 1994, he was the artistic director for jazz at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in...

presented the Humanitarian Award to Jimmy Owens.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

was the Master of Ceremonies, along with Joe Piscopo

Joe Piscopo

Joseph Charles John "Joe" Piscopo is an American comedian and actor best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.-Early life:...

.
The 2002 concert honored Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

and Congressman John Conyers

John Conyers

John Conyers, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1965 . He is a member of the Democratic Party...

In 2002 recording of the 2001 A Great Night in Harlem concert was released was released. All the profits from the sale of this 2CD set benefit the Jazz Foundation of America’s Jazz Musicians’ Emergency Fund.

2003

On September 26, 2003 at the Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

the Jazz Foundation of America held their third Annual Great Night In Harlem concert. A benefit for The Jazz Musician's Emergency Fund.

The 2003 Benefit was hosted by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

, Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase

Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase is an American comedian, writer, and television and film actor, born into a prominent entertainment industry family. Chase worked a plethora of odd jobs before moving into comedy acting with National Lampoon...

, Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an American comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, author and talk show host.Goldberg made her film debut in The Color Purple playing Celie, a mistreated black woman in the Deep South. She received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress and won...

and Branford Marsalis

Branford Marsalis

Branford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born...

.

During the Awards ceremony The Music for Medicine Award was presented to Englewood Hospital & Medical Center.

The Concert featured performances by: Irene Reid

Irene Reid

with Don Milletello, Randy Johnston, Billy Phipps

Billy Phipps

Billy Phipps is an American jazz baritone saxophonist and composer who has contributed to the development of a wide range of jazz styles including hard bop, soul jazz, Latin jazz, and primitive.- Career :...

and Tootsie Bean.

George Wein

George Wein

George Wein is an American jazz promoter and producer who has been called "the most famous jazz impresario" and "the most important non-player... in jazz history"...

and Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

presented the "Saint of Jazz Award" to Harry Elias of JVC America. A surpriise Award was presented to Dr. Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

by Dr. Leo Corbie (Chairman of the Jazz Foundation of America, and Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...

.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath

James Edward Heath , nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath.-Biography:...

.

Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath

James Edward Heath , nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath.-Biography:...

and Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

performed with Frank Wess

Frank Wess

Frank Wess is an American jazz musician, who has played saxophone and flute.-Biography:...

, Jon Faddis

Jon Faddis

, Bob Cranshaw

Bob Cranshaw

Melbourne R. "Bob" Cranshaw is an American jazz bassist. His career spans the heyday of Blue Note Records to his recent involvement with the Musicians Union. He is perhaps best known for his long association with Sonny Rollins...

, Marcus Gilmore, Antonio Hart, and Jeb Patton.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg

made an appearance on stage and introduced Simone

Simone (actress)

Simone is a Broadway actress/singer and the daughter of Nina Simone.Prior to her acting career, Simone served in the United States Air Force as an engineering assistant...

(Nina Simone

Nina Simone

Eunice Kathleen Waymon , better known by her stage name Nina Simone , was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music...

's daughter)with sang a tribute to her Mother with Nina's brother Sam Wayman, Laurence Holland, Bryan Post, Larry White, and Mario Giampaglia.

Gil Noble of Like It Is presented an award to Nat Hentoff

Nat Hentoff

.

The Jazz Foundation of America presented a tribute to Babatunde Olatunji

Babatunde Olatunji

Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist.- Biography :Olatunji was born in the village of Ajido, a small town near Badagry, Lagos State, in southwestern Nigeria. A member of the Yoruba people, Olatunji was introduced to traditional African music at...

.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase

made an appearance on stage and played the piano.

Wendy Oxenhorn spoke on behalf of The Jazz Foundation, and introduces Jarrett Lillien of E-Trade Financial.

Jimmy Norman

Jimmy Norman

Jimmy Norman was an American rhythm and blues and jazz musician and a songwriter. In his early career, Norman had a charting single of his own, "I Don't Love You No More ", as well as performing session work with Jimi Hendrix, but he is better known as a lyricist and songwriter...

sang the song he co-wrote with Tony Shanahan, "Time is on my side" with Johnny Rosch, Paul Ossola, Kerryn Tolhurst, and Tony Beard.

Branford Marsalis

Branford Marsalis

hosts, and introduces Ladell McLin, Billy Cox

Billy Cox

William "Billy" Cox is an American bassist, best known for performing with Jimi Hendrix.-Early years:Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Cox was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Schenley High School. He first met Jimi Hendrix in the early 1960s, when they were both in the United States...

and Swiss Chris Flueck in a segment director by Giorgio Gomelsky & Billy Cox

Billy Cox

.

Stanley Jordan

Stanley Jordan

Stanley Jordan is an American jazz/jazz fusion guitarist and pianist, best known for his development of the tapping technique for the guitar....

and Cassandra Wilson

Cassandra Wilson

Cassandra Wilson is an American jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Described by critic Gary Giddins as "a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack [who has] expanded the playing field" by incorporating country, blues and folk music into her...

wrapped up the evening.

2004

The fourth A Great Night in Harlem concert was hosted by The Jazz Foundation of America on October 28, 2004. The 2004 Benefit / Concert featured appearances by MCs Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

, Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

, Gil Noble, and Mario Van Peebles

Mario Van Peebles

Mario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...

with his son Melvin Van Peebles

Melvin Van Peebles

Melvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...

, who surprised the event planners by opening the second half of the show playing two jazz tunes on piano, including a number by Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Sphere Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer considered "one of the giants of American music". Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire, including "Epistrophy", "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", "Straight, No Chaser"...

.

Among the featured performers were: Danny Mixon, Jimmy McGriff, Larry Lucie, Johnny Blowers, Max Lucas, Fred Staton, Carline Ray, Lloyd Mayers, Joey Morant, Benny Powell, Bill Wurtzel, and Cecil Payne. The Chico O' Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra directed by Arturo O'Farill. Jimmy Cozier, David Bixler, Michael Migliore, Peter Brainin, Maximillian Schweiger, Michael Mossman, Jim Seeley, Valery Ponomarev, Matt Hilgenburg, Gary Valente, Reynaldo Jorge, Sam Burtis, Jack Jeffers. Also, Reben Rodriguez, and Phoenix River.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

and Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

presented a "surprise" Award to Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

introduced The Tribute to Ray Charles

Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson , known by his shortened stage name Ray Charles, was an American musician. He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records...

, arranged by Al Jackson; Kenny Barron and Regina Carter played "Georgia on My Mind

Georgia on My Mind

"Georgia on My Mind" is a song written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell . It is the official state song of the U.S. state of Georgia. Gorrell wrote the lyrics for Hoagy's sister, Georgia Carmichael. However, the lyrics of the song are ambiguous enough to refer either to the state or...

".

Diane Schuur sang "It Had To Be You."

Diane Schuur, Roberta Flack, and original "Raelette" Angie Workman sang "Hit the Road Jack

Hit the Road Jack

"Hit the Road Jack" is a song written by rhythm and bluesman Percy Mayfield and first recorded in 1960 as an a capella demo sent to Art Rupe, available on the Memory Pain CD vol. 2, Specialty Records SPCD-7027-2. It became famous after it was recorded by singer-pianist Ray Charles. It hit number...

" back by The Chico O' Farrill Band.

Chris Thomas King

Chris Thomas King

Chris Thomas King is an American New Orleans, Louisiana-based blues musician and actor.-History:King was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. He is the son of blues musician Tabby Thomas. He has won awards including "Album of the Year" for both Grammy Award and Country Music Awards. King...

sang, "What'd I Say?"

Gil Noble (Host, ABC's "Like It Is

Like It Is

This article is about the movie. For other uses see, Like It Is .Like It Is is a 1998 British gay-themed romance film. It stars Steve Bell, Ian Rose, Roger Daltrey and Dani Behr.-Plot summary:...

" / JFA Board Member), Wendy Oxenhorn (Executive Director, JFA) Jarrett Lillien (President, E -Trade Financial / JFA President) present.

Danny Aiello

Danny Aiello

Daniel Louis "Danny" Aiello, Jr. is an American actor who has appeared in numerous motion pictures, including Once Upon a Time in America, Ruby, The Godfather: Part II, Hudson Hawk, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Moonstruck, Léon, Two Days in the Valley, and Dinner Rush...

and his Band sang, "All of Me

All of Me (song)

"All of Me" is a popular song and jazz standard written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons in 1931.First performed by Belle Baker over the radio and recorded in December 1931 by Ruth Etting, it has become one of the most recorded songs of its era, with notable versions by Russ Columbo, Bing Crosby,...

"

Performances by: Joe Geary, Lee Hudson, Kieth Ingram, Jimmy Prav, Mike Hashim, Dan Alvaro, Brad Shigeta, Walter Syzmanski. The Barry Harris Trio, Sweet Georgia Brown

Sweet Georgia Brown

"Sweet Georgia Brown" is a jazz standard and pop tune written in 1925 by Ben Bernie and Maceo Pinkard and Kenneth Casey .The tune was first recorded on March 19, 1925 by bandleader Ben Bernie, resulting in a five-week No. 1 for Ben Bernie and his Hotel Roosevelt Orchestra...

sang "Steam Roller."

Frank Selman, George Pollageorge, Thomas Gooding, Mark Greenberg, Prince Sabor.

A special performance by Ms. Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith with her son Jimmy "Prime Time" Smith, Craig Haynes, and Thomas Gooding.

James Blood Ulmer sang "Aren't You Glad to be in America" with Derek Grant

Derek Grant

Derek Grant is the drummer for punk band Alkaline Trio, where he replaced Mike Felumlee. He was previously a member of The Suicide Machines, Telegraph, Gyga, Thoughts of Ionesco, Remainder, Walls of Jericho, The Exceptions and Broken Spoke, a side band with Royce Nunley and Jay Navarro...

.

Awards were also presented by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

, to Douglas Duchak and Englewood Hospital & Medical Center: The Medicine for Music Award. Joe Serratelli, and John Selvaggio

The Saint of Jazz Award was presented to Carl Horton.

The benefit paid special tribute to African drummer Babatunde Olatunji

Babatunde Olatunji

; Led by Sanga of The Valley,John Ward, Shawn Banks, Gary Fritz, Gabu, Daoud, Seku, Tonge, Checharp, Aba Shaini, and Bas.

A Recognition Award was presented to Lawrence Lucie

Lawrence Lucie

Lawrence Lucie was an American jazz guitarist.- Early life :Lucie was born in Emporia, Virginia. He learned banjo, mandolin, and violin as a child and played with his family at dances. Lucie's father, a barber, also played jazz music...

and Cecil Payne

Cecil Payne

Cecil Payne was a jazz baritone saxophonist born in Brooklyn, NY. Payne also played the alto saxophone and flute...

.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith.

The benefit paid tribute to Elvin Jones; Brian Blade with Myron Walden.

The Harlem Blues & Jazz band played, "Take the A Train."
Saxophonist Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath

James Edward Heath , nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath.-Biography:...

received a JFA Lifetime Achievement Award. Health fronted his all-star Generations Octet featuring trumpeters Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

and Jon Faddis

Jon Faddis

, saxophonists Frank Wess

Frank Wess

Frank Wess is an American jazz musician, who has played saxophone and flute.-Biography:...

and Antonio Hart

Antonio Hart

, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Bob Cranshaw

Bob Cranshaw

and drummer Marcus Gilmore (the 17-year-old grandson of drum legend Roy Haynes

Roy Haynes

2006

The fifth A Great Night in Harlem concert was hosted by the Jazz Foundation of America on May 4, 2006.

The 2006 benefit / concert was hosted by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

, Danny Glover

Danny Glover

Danny Lebern Glover is an American actor, film director, and political activist. Glover is perhaps best known for his role as Detective Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film franchise.-Early life:...

, and Dr.Billy Taylor

Billy Taylor

and featured performance by:
The Newbirth Brass Band with special guests Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and members of New Orleans' own traditional Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club.

Dr. Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

presented the coveted "Saint of Jazz Award" to Agnes Varis

Agnes Varis

Agnes Varis was founder and president of Agvar Chemicals Inc. and Aegis Pharmaceuticals....

, for putting re-settled New Orleans Musicians back to work in eight states, and bring the music to thousands of children and senior citizens across the country.

The Medicine For Music Award was presented to Englewood Hospital & Medical Center's Andrew Durkin, Douglas Duchak, and Frank Forte.

Odetta

Odetta

Odetta Holmes, known as Odetta, was an American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist, often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement". Her musical repertoire consisted largely of American folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals...

performs with Seth Farber

Seth Farber

Seth Farber is a Modern Orthodox rabbi and historian in Israel, best known for his work helping Jews navigate the Israeli religious bureaucracy.Farber grew up in Riverdale, Bronx, New York, and is a graduate of New York University...

.

Dr. Michael White Original Liberty Band played an original tune by Buddy Bolden

Buddy Bolden

Charles "Buddy" Bolden was an African American cornetist and is regarded by contemporaries as a key figure in the development of a New Orleans style of rag-time music which later came to be known as jazz.- Life :...

, the little known hero credited in the early 1900s for being the first musician to ever make a "Jazz Sound" on his cornet.

James Blood Ulmer performed "Survivors of the Hurricane."

Davell Crawford (The "Prince of New Orleans") performed with Kermit Ruffins, Nashia Ruffins, Christine Ruffins and Mark Brooks.

Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

performs "Down Here Below" with Ron Carter

Ron Carter

. Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

also performed an original poem: "Where are the African Gods?"

Harold Mabern

Harold Mabern

Harold Mabern is a hard bop and soul jazz pianist.Early in his career, Mabern played in Chicago with Walter Perkins' MJT + 3 in the late 1950s before moving to New York in 1959. Mabern has worked with Jimmy Forrest, Lionel Hampton, the Jazztet , Donald Byrd, Miles Davis , J. J...

performed with Ron Carter

Ron Carter

, Ben Riley

Ben Riley

and Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz is an American alto and soprano saxophonist and clarinetist.Bartz graduated from the Baltimore City College high school and The Juilliard School...

.

Wendy Oxenhorn & Jarett Lilien acknowledge other organizations / people who have helped the musicians of New Orleans: Dee Dee Acquisto, Karesha Harvey, Debbie Carroll of MusiCares

MusiCares

The MusiCares Foundation, Inc., was established in 1989 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Meant for musicians to have a place to turn, in times of financial, personal, or medical crisis, its primary purpose is to focus the resources and attention of the music industry on human...

, Barbara Davis of The Actors Fund, Gerri Hobdy of The Baton Rouge Foundation with Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center is part of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. JALC's performing arts complex, Frederick P. Rose Hall, is located at West 60th Street and Broadway in New York City, slightly south of the main Lincoln Center campus and directly adjacent to Columbus Circle. Frederick P....

's Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Learson Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, music educator, and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Marsalis has promoted the appreciation of classical and jazz music often to young audiences...

& Derek Gordon, New Orleans Musician Clinic Kathy Richard and Bethany Bultman, Tim Duffy of The Rainmaker Foundation, David Freedman of WWOZ, Jackie Pal of Project Heal, and Miss Cleo.
Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith performed with her band: Jimmy "Prime time" Smith, Kenny Fitzgerald, Will Calhoun, and a surprise appearance by Henry Butler

Henry Butler

Henry Butler is an American jazz pianist.He is known for his technique and his ability to play in many styles of music. Referred to by Dr...

, Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...

and Sweet Georgia Brown

Sweet Georgia Brown

closed out the evening.

The concert was sponsored by: E-Trade / HIP/Health Plan on NY/ BET

Bet

Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...

24-Hour Jazz/ GMAC /Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka is a brand of vodka, produced near Åhus, Skåne, in southern Sweden. Since July 2008 the company has been owned by the French firm Pernod Ricard who bought V&S Group from the Swedish government....

/Time
Warner/Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm headquartered in New York City serving a diversified group of corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals. Morgan Stanley also operates in 36 countries around the world, with over 600 offices and a workforce of over 60,000....

/The Village Voice

The Village Voice

The Village Voice is a free weekly newspaper and news and features website in New York City that features investigative articles, analysis of current affairs and culture, arts and music coverage, and events listings for New York City...

/Essence Magazine/NASDAQ

NASDAQ

The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange. "NASDAQ" originally stood for "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations". It is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange. As of...

/Yamaha

Yamaha

Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...

and Delta

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a major airline based in the United States and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta and its subsidiaries operate over 4,000 flights every day...

Song Air.

2006

The fifth Annual A Great Night in Harlem concert was hosted by The Jazz Foundation of America on May 4, 2006. The concert was presented by Direct TV, BET JAZZ and The Apollo Theater. Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

, Danny Glover

Danny Glover

, Jimmy McGriff

Jimmy McGriff

James Harrell McGriff was an American hard bop and soul-jazz organist and organ trio bandleader who developed a distinctive style of playing the Hammond B-3 organ.-Early years and influences:...

and over 60 Musicians performed at The Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

that night.

The 2006 Great Night in Harlem benefit / concert was also sponsored by E-Trade, Agvar Chemicals Inc., HIP Health Plan of New York, Time Warner Inc., and Official Airline Sponsor – Delta Air Lines Provide Unprecedented Support

The 2006 concert raised money for the replacement of “Fats” Domino’s piano to paying rent and mortgages for Katrina-effected musicians and their families, and to continue providing support for Jazz Foundation of America as they assisted nearly 900 New Orleans musician emergency cases in the few short months since the hurricane.

Among the artists that performed that night were; Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

, James Blood Ulmer, Dr. Michael White

Michael White (clarinetist)

Michael White is a jazz clarinetist, bandleader, composer, jazz historian and musical educator...

and the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, Ron Carter

Ron Carter

, the legendary Odetta

Odetta

, Jimmy McGriff

Jimmy McGriff

James Harrell McGriff was an American hard bop and soul-jazz organist and organ trio bandleader who developed a distinctive style of playing the Hammond B-3 organ.-Early years and influences:...

, Clark Terry

Clark Terry

Clark Terry is an American swing and bop trumpeter, a pioneer of the fluegelhorn in jazz, educator, NEA Jazz Masters inductee, and recipient of the 2010 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award...

, Will Calhoun

Will Calhoun

Will Calhoun is an American drummer, who graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music.-Career:...

, Harold Mabern

Harold Mabern

, Ben Riley

Ben Riley

, George Cables

George Cables

George Andrew Cables is a jazz pianist, born November 14, 1944 in New York City.He has played with Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, and others.His own recordings include the 1980 Cables Vision with Freddie Hubbard among others....

, Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz

Gary Bartz is an American alto and soprano saxophonist and clarinetist.Bartz graduated from the Baltimore City College high school and The Juilliard School...

and many more, including over 30 musicians from New Orleans.

Highlighting the evening was 85-year old Johnnie Mae Dunson—who wrote tunes for Elvis and Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield , known as Muddy Waters, was an American blues musician, generally considered the "father of modern Chicago blues"...

and played drums for Jimmy Reed

Jimmy Reed

Mathis James "Jimmy" Reed was an American blues musician and songwriter, notable for bringing his distinctive style of blues to mainstream audiences. Reed was a major player in the field of electric blues, as opposed to the more acoustic-based sound of many of his contemporaries...

.

Honorees at the 2006 concert for their significant contributions to the cause will be: Agnes Varis - Agvar Chemicals, Inc.; Arthur H. Barnes - HIP Health Plan of N Y; Douglas Duchak & Dr. Frank Forte – Englewood Hospital & Medical Center; and Jimmy McGriff

Jimmy McGriff

James Harrell McGriff was an American hard bop and soul-jazz organist and organ trio bandleader who developed a distinctive style of playing the Hammond B-3 organ.-Early years and influences:...

– legendary jazz artist.

Event sponsors included: Absolut Spirits, CREOLE Restaurant, Mary & Michael Jaharis, Lehman Brothers, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, VH1, BET Jazz, MTV Networks, Par Pharmaceuticals, Plantex USA Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Beryl L. Snyder, SWAG, David A. Walden, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, Official Wine Sponsor – Coppola Wine, Official Coffee Sponsor – Illy Caffe, Billionaire Limousine Service.

2007

The sixth A Great Night in Harlem concert was hosted on May 17, 2007. The fundraiser / concert at the World famous Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...

was hosted by Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Danny Glover

and Gil Noble.

The 2007 concert's theme was : A History of the Music.

Before Slavery: Traditional Music of Africa: Djele Lankandia Cissoko on vocals and the Kora, Makane Kouyate (Djembe drum) Bala Kouyate (Dundu drum), Driessa Kone (Djembe Drum)

Congo Square: The Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs; Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr., Norwood Johnson, Theodore Dollis, Irving Bannister.

Spirituals: The Canan Baptist Praise Team; Ann Graham, Joelle Graham, Melissa Batchelor, Amber Evans, Andre Jackson, Walter Dickey, Michaiah Dominiquez, Tiffani Gray, Lee Jones, Virginia Batchelor, Winsome Reid, Min. Fred Bowers.

Early Blues: Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith, with her son Jimi "Prime time" Smith sing a tribute to: Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, W.C. Handy, Ma Rainey, Muddy Waters, performing: "Trouble Won't Let Me Be."

The First Man Who Made Jazz: The Original New Orleans Liberty Brass Band play tribute. Followed by a tribute to Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....

performed by Joey Morant.

Early Piano:Dr. John

Dr. John

Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack, Jr. , better known by the stage name Dr. John , is an American singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist, whose music combines blues, pop, jazz as well as Zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll.Active as a session musician since the late 1950s, he came to wider...

& Henry Butler

Henry Butler

Henry Butler is an American jazz pianist.He is known for his technique and his ability to play in many styles of music. Referred to by Dr...

(Harlem Stride, James P. Johnson

James P. Johnson

James P. Johnson was an American pianist and composer...

, Fats Waller

Fats Waller

Fats Waller , born Thomas Wright Waller, was a jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer...

, Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton

Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe , known professionally as Jelly Roll Morton, was an American ragtime and early jazz pianist, bandleader and composer....

, St. Louis Blues.)

Swing Era: Duke Ellington Orchestra, led by the last original band manner, Barrie Lee Hall.

A Tribute to Female Vocalists: Fay Victor sang for Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald & Dakota Stanton.

Latin Jazz:A tribute to Latin Jazz by Arturo O' Farrill with Candido.

BeBop Era: Tribute performed by: Jimmy Heath

Jimmy Heath

James Edward Heath , nicknamed Little Bird, is an American jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger. He is the brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath.-Biography:...

, Junior Mance, Frank Wess, David "Fathead" Newman, Ben Riley, Jimmy Owens, Gary Bartz, and Bob Cranshaw

Bob Cranshaw

.

R&B turns to Rock 'N' Roll: Featured Jimmy Norman: The actual co-writer of the song that made the rolling Stones Famous, "Timhttp://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/button_italic.pnge is on my side," who sang his original version written for Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas is an American Grammy Award-winning soul and rhythm and blues singer from New Orleans. She is known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans"....

. His Band: Bern Pizzatola, Freddy simpson, Craig Haynes, and Paul Schaffer.

The Future of Jazz: Performances by Morgan McMillon, Richard Baskin, and Brother 2 Brother.

Pop Music: The 1970s: Davell Crawford performs "Everything Must change." Joined by Mister Gary Brown who played an instrumental version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Blues Jam Finale: This segment started off with Patti Bown, Jimmy Owens, Junior Mance, Victor Lewis, Thomas Gooding, Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith, Joe Gray, Jimi "Prime Time" Smith, Ladell McLin, Wendy Oxenhorn, and Sweet Georgia Brown.

2008

The seventh concert was hosted on May 29, 2008. The Master of Ceremonies were
Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

and Danny Glover

Danny Glover

and Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase

. Featured performers were: Randy Weston

Randy Weston

Randy Weston , is an American jazz pianist and composer, of Jamaican parentage.-Biography:Weston studied classical piano as a child. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he ran a restaurant that was frequented by many of the leading bebop musicians...

, and The Randy Weston Trio perform "The Healers."

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

The Dave Brubeck Quartet is an American jazz quartet, founded in 1951 by Dave Brubeck and originally featuring Paul Desmond on saxophone and Brubeck on piano...

with Michael Moore, Bobby Militello, and Randy Jones performing, "Take Five".

Dr. Michael White and The Original Liberty jazz Band performed, "Horn Man Blues."

Frank Foster & his Loud Minority Big Band perform "Blues in Hoss Flat," "Shiny Stockings," and "Don't Explain with Nnenna Freelon

Nnenna Freelon

. Arranged by Anita Brown. The band is: Cecil Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, Frank Wess, Phil Woods, Bruce Williams, Joe Ford, Bill Saxton, Kieth Loftus, James Stewart, Danny Mixon, Vencent Gardener, Clark Gayton, Dion Tucker,Bill Lowe, Eddie Allen, Kenyatta Beasley, James Zollar, Earl Gardner, Kenny Davis, David Gibson.

Hank Jones

Hank Jones

90th Birthday Celebration: Hank Jones

Hank Jones

Performed with Buster Williams

Buster Williams

Charles Anthony Williams is an American jazz bassist.-Biography:Williams has gained prestige among jazz musicians as a solid supportive player. Since the early 1960s, he has made subtle swing, a precise rhythm and superb technique the landmark of his playing...

and Norah Jones

Norah Jones

Norah Jones is an American singer-songwriter and occasional actress.In 2002, she launched her solo music career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album Come Away With Me, which was certified a diamond album in 2002, selling over 20 million copies...

.

James Blood Ulmer performed "The Blues" with JT Lewis, Brandon Ross, Melvin Gibbs, Junior Mance, Gary Brown, Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, and Wendy Oxenhorn.

Marva Wright, Lonnie Youngblood, and Danny Mixon join in the finale with Sweet Georgia Brown.

Awards were presented to Englewood Hospital & Medical Center, Claude Nobs

Claude Nobs

Claude Nobs is the founder and general manager of the famous Montreux Jazz Festival.-Biography:...

/ Montreux Jazz Festival

Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival is the best-known music festival in Switzerland and one of the most prestigious in Europe; it is held annually in early July in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva...

2009

The eighth concert was hosted by the Jazz Foundation of America on May 14, 2009. Great Night 2009 was hosted by The Sopranos

The Sopranos

The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...

' Michael Imperioli

Michael Imperioli

James Michael Imperioli , commonly known as Michael Imperioli, is an American actor and television writer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also...

, Wendy Oxenhorn, and Dick Parsons. This year’s concert was billed as a “tribute to the blues." Even before the show formally started, there was a relaxed pre-concert set from Piedmont bluesman John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman

John Dee Holeman is an American Piedmont blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His music includes elements of Texas blues, R&B and jazz. In his younger days he was also known for his proficiency as a 'buckdancer'.-Biography:...

, consisting of variations on blues classics like “Mojo Hand” and “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

Of course, there was still a healthy amount of jazz, including a guitar trio led by Dr. Frank Forte, the Englewood physician who has treated thousands of JFA referrals pro bono, leading accomplished jazz guitarists Gene Bertoncini

Gene Bertoncini

-Biography:Bertoncini was born in New York City, where he was raised in a musical family. His father played guitar and harmonica. Bertoncini began playing guitar at age seven and by age sixteen was appearing on television. He graduated from high school and attended the University of Notre Dame,...

and Bucky Pizzarelli

Bucky Pizzarelli

through a rendition of “If I Had You.” Jazz pianist Eric Lewis also played a hypnotic power solo rendition of his “(Here) In Your Arms,” complete with rock-star lighting effects, sounding radically different from his stint with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

There were several performances by New Orleans musicians; An all-star group including R&B vocalist Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas is an American Grammy Award-winning soul and rhythm and blues singer from New Orleans. She is known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans"....

and blues piano-man Dr. John

Dr. John

paid tribute to the late great funky pianist-vocalist Eddie Bo (Bocage). Thomas dug deep into the blues bag on “You can Have My Husband but Don’t Mess with My Man,” inspiring a Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...

-style duckwalk from R&B guitarist Deacon John Moore

Deacon John Moore

Deacon John Moore better known as Deacon John is a blues, rhythm and blues and rock and roll musician, singer, and bandleader.-Career:Moore grew up in New Orleans' 8th Ward...

.

NOLA blues were also represented in the person of Henry Butler

Henry Butler

Henry Butler is an American jazz pianist.He is known for his technique and his ability to play in many styles of music. Referred to by Dr...

. His blues-drenched cover of the Otis Redding

Otis Redding

Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout. He is considered one of the major figures in soul and R&B...

standard “Dock of the Bay

(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay

" The Dock of the Bay" is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was first recorded by Otis Redding in 1967, just days before his death. It was released posthumously on Stax Records' Volt label in 1968, becoming the first posthumous number-one single in U.S...

,” was an real audience pleaser. Perhaps the most recognizable musician of the evening was the penultimate Lou Reed

Lou Reed

Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his successful solo career, which has spanned several decades...

, who also got in on the blues act with a medley that included Blind Lemon Jefferson

Blind Lemon Jefferson

"Blind" Lemon Jefferson was an American blues singer and guitarist from Texas. He was one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s, and has been titled "Father of the Texas Blues"....

’s “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean

See That My Grave Is Kept Clean

"See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" is a blues song recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1927 that became "one of his most famous compositions". Son House used the melody on his 1930 recording of "Mississippi County Farm Blues"....

” as well as The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited...

favorite “Romeo Had Juliet.”

In keeping with JFA tradition, this year’s Great Night closed with Sweet Georgia Brown

Sweet Georgia Brown

belting out “Stormy Monday

Stormy Monday

Stormy Monday is the 1988 feature film debut of director Mike Figgis. Starring Sean Bean, Tommy Lee Jones, Sting and Melanie Griffith, it is an atmospheric, noirish thriller. The notable jazz soundtrack is also by Figgis. Being set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, the film is something of an homage...

” and “Let the Good Times Roll

Let the Good Times Roll (Louis Jordan song)

"Let the Good Times Roll" is a song was recorded in 1946 by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five, and became a # 2 hit on the R&B chart in the United States....

,” the former featuring Wendy’s eagerly anticipated harmonica solo.

2010

The ninth concert was hosted by the Jazz Foundation of America on May 20, 2010. Great Night 2010 was hosted by Kevin Kline

Kevin Kline

Kevin Delaney Kline is an American theatre, voice, film actor and comedian. He has won an Academy Award and two Tony Awards, and has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award.- Early life :...

, Michael Imperioli

Michael Imperioli

, David Johansen

David Johansen

David Roger Johansen is an American rock, protopunk, blues, and pop singer, as well as a songwriter and actor. He is best known as a member of the seminal protopunk band The New York Dolls and also achieved commercial success under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter.-Early life:Johansen was born in...

, and Jazz Foundation Executive Director Wendy Oxenhorn. The concert was billed as “A History of the Music” and was dedicated to “The Spirit of Greatness.”

Pre-concert sets were performed by Mississippi juke joint blues master R.L. Boyce and Nigerian master drummer Baba Ola Jagun who has recorded and toured with legendary Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti

Fela Anikulapo Kuti , or simply Fela , was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music, human rights activist, and political maverick.-Biography:...

.

Several awards were given out over the course of the evening. Dick Parsons and Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase

presented the Medicine for Music Award to Jay Nadel and Dr. Frank Forte of Englewood Hospital & Medical Center and the Dr. Billy Taylor Humanitarian Award to Michael Devins of Debevoise & Plimpton LLC. Gil Noble

Gil Noble

was on hand to introduce honoree Ambassador Andrew Young

Andrew Young

Andrew Jackson Young is an American politician, diplomat, activist and pastor from Georgia. He has served as Mayor of Atlanta, a Congressman from the 5th district, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations...

who was presented the Spirit of Greatness Award by Jessye Norman

Jessye Norman

Jessye Norman is an American opera singer. Norman is a well-known contemporary opera singer and recitalist, and is one of the highest paid performers in classical music...

. Ms. Norman also presented the Spirit of Greatness Award to honoree Dr. Agnes Varis. Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to saxophonist Max Lucas (posthumously), composer Benard Ighner, and “Little” Jimmy Scott

Jimmy Scott

Jimmy Scott , aka "Little" Jimmy Scott, is an American jazz vocalist famous for his unusually high contralto voice which is due to Kallmann's syndrome, a very rare genetic condition. The condition stunted his growth at four feet eleven inches until, at age 37, he grew another 8 inches to the...

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