Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Encyclopedia
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
(AJHoF) was founded in 1978, and opened a museum on September 18, 1993, with a mission "to foster, encourage, educate, and cultivate a general appreciation of the medium of jazz music as a legitimate, original and distinctive art form indigenous to America. Its mission is also to preserve a continued and sustained program of illuminating the contribution of the State of Alabama through its citizens, environment, demographics and lore, and perpetuating the heritage of jazz music." It is located in Birmingham
, Alabama
, USA.
, along with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
, 16th Street Baptist Church
and Kelly Ingram Park
. The museum contains more than 2200 square feet (204.4 m²) of exhibits. The Jazz Hall of Fame also sponsors jazz performances around the city and brings jazz to many local students with school visits from musicians. Along with jazz memorabilia such as paintings, quilts, instruments, and personal effects of such artists as Ella Fitzgerald
and W.C. Handy, the tour experience itself is guided by Dr. Frank Adams.
and by Director of Education Emeritus Dr. Frank Adams. Collectively, the members of the faculty form a performing ensemble known as the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
(the AJHoF All-Stars). These free classes are supported by grants from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham and other sources. In these classes, students learn to read and improvise jazz. Graduates of the AJHoF Saturday Jazz Classes have received scholarships to prestigious Jazz Studies programs, such as the ones offered by the University of New Orleans
and New School University in New York City.
, the AJHoF Student All-Star band is a select group chosen by auditioning students from all over the Birmingham Jefferson County / Shelby County area. The group performs concerts ans events all over the Birmingham metro area. On December 19, 2010, the group opened for grammy Award winning vocal group, Take 6
at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham. (See link, below, to the AJHoF Student All-Star Band Facebook page.)
is sponsored by AJHoF and presented, free of charge, in schools. Beginning in 2006, founder Ray Reach
and a faculty of jazz professionals (the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
) have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz through live performance and interactive activities. The program, which was originated under the auspices of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
's Alys Stephens Center
, includes four unique presentations.
Past Award Recipients at the AJHoF Student Jazz Festival
" takes place, jointly sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Urban Impact of Birmingham.
(saxophonist), Eric Marienthal
(saxophonist), Bill Goodwin (jazz drummer)
, T. S. Monk
(drummer), Gregg Karukas
(keyboardist) and many others.
, Erskine Hawkins
, Sammy Lowe
and Haywood Henry
. These recycled instruments are put to use by students of the AJHoF educational programs.
Hall of Fame
A hall of fame, wall of fame, walk of fame, walk of stars or avenue of stars is a type of attraction established for any field of endeavor to honor individuals of noteworthy achievement in that field...
(AJHoF) was founded in 1978, and opened a museum on September 18, 1993, with a mission "to foster, encourage, educate, and cultivate a general appreciation of the medium of jazz music as a legitimate, original and distinctive art form indigenous to America. Its mission is also to preserve a continued and sustained program of illuminating the contribution of the State of Alabama through its citizens, environment, demographics and lore, and perpetuating the heritage of jazz music." It is located in Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, USA.
The AJHoF Museum
The museum is located in Birmingham's historic Carver Theatre, which is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights DistrictBirmingham Civil Rights District
The Birmingham Civil Rights District is an area of downtown Birmingham, Alabama where several significant events in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s took place...
, along with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a large interpretive museum and research center in Birmingham, Alabama that depicts the struggles of the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s...
, 16th Street Baptist Church
16th Street Baptist Church
Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama which is frequented predominately by African Americans. In September 1963, it was the target of the racially motivated 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that killed four girls in the midst of the American Civil Rights...
and Kelly Ingram Park
Kelly Ingram Park
Kelly Ingram Park, formerly West Park, is a four acre park located in Birmingham, Alabama. It is bounded by 16th and 17th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues North in the Birmingham Civil Rights District...
. The museum contains more than 2200 square feet (204.4 m²) of exhibits. The Jazz Hall of Fame also sponsors jazz performances around the city and brings jazz to many local students with school visits from musicians. Along with jazz memorabilia such as paintings, quilts, instruments, and personal effects of such artists as Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist...
and W.C. Handy, the tour experience itself is guided by Dr. Frank Adams.
Free Saturday Jazz Classes
Every Saturday morning since 1999, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame has offered jazz classes, available free to any resident of the state of Alabama. These classes are taught by a faculty of professionals, organized by Director of Student Jazz Programs Ray ReachRay Reach
Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
and by Director of Education Emeritus Dr. Frank Adams. Collectively, the members of the faculty form a performing ensemble known as the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars is a working jazz ensemble, featuring some of the finest jazz musicians Alabama has to offer...
(the AJHoF All-Stars). These free classes are supported by grants from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham and other sources. In these classes, students learn to read and improvise jazz. Graduates of the AJHoF Saturday Jazz Classes have received scholarships to prestigious Jazz Studies programs, such as the ones offered by the University of New Orleans
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans, often referred to locally as UNO, is a medium-sized public urban university located on the New Orleans Lakefront within New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is a member of the LSU System and the Urban 13 association. Currently UNO is without a proper chancellor...
and New School University in New York City.
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Student All-Star Band
Directed by Ray ReachRay Reach
Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
, the AJHoF Student All-Star band is a select group chosen by auditioning students from all over the Birmingham Jefferson County / Shelby County area. The group performs concerts ans events all over the Birmingham metro area. On December 19, 2010, the group opened for grammy Award winning vocal group, Take 6
Take 6
Take 6 is an American a cappella gospel music sextet formed in 1980 on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. The group sings in a contemporary style, integrating R&B and jazz influences into their devotional songs and has 10 Grammy wins, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two...
at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham. (See link, below, to the AJHoF Student All-Star Band Facebook page.)
Notable Students
A number of graduates of the AJHoF Jazz Educational Program have been awarded musical scholarships. Below is a partial listing of AJHoF students who have received scholarships:- Jeronne Ansari - Jazz studies, University of New Orleans (The Ellis Marsalis Scholarship)
- Sam Albright - Jazz studies, University of New Orleans (The Ellis Marsalis Scholarship)
- Brad Fancher - Loyola University
- Matthew Watts - University of Mississippi
- Yirme Yisrael - Jazz studies, New School University
The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program
The Fun With Jazz Educational ProgramFun With Jazz Educational Program
The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program is a program of jazz educational concerts and demonstrations developed by Ray Reach and sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.-History:...
is sponsored by AJHoF and presented, free of charge, in schools. Beginning in 2006, founder Ray Reach
Ray Reach
Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
and a faculty of jazz professionals (the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars is a working jazz ensemble, featuring some of the finest jazz musicians Alabama has to offer...
) have presented free one-hour lessons introducing jazz through live performance and interactive activities. The program, which was originated under the auspices of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
's Alys Stephens Center
Alys Stephens Center
The Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham . It hosts over 250,000 people for more than 300 diverse events annually. The ASC is the center for entertainment and arts education in...
, includes four unique presentations.
AJHoF Annual Student Jazz Band Festival
Every year, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame sponsors a Student Jazz Festival, open to middle school, high school and college jazz bands. The festival is non-competitive, and bands are invited to play and be adjudicated by noted jazz authorities. Awards for "Band of Distinction" and "Outstanding Soloist" are made in each of the categories: Middle School, High School, Junior College and College.Past Award Recipients at the AJHoF Student Jazz Festival
- 2004 - University of AlabamaUniversity of AlabamaThe University of Alabama is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States....
Jazz Ensemble A, "College Band of Distinction" - Tom Wolfe, Director - 2004 - Omari Thomas, University of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamThe University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
, "Outstanding College Soloist" - 2005 - University of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamThe University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
, UAB Jazz Ensemble, "College Band of Distinction" - Ray ReachRay ReachRaymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama, now serving as Director of Student Jazz Programs for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars and President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City...
, Director - 2005 - Omari Thomas, University of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamThe University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham in the U.S. state of Alabama. Developing from an extension center established in 1936, the institution became an autonomous institution in 1969 and is today one of three institutions in the University of Alabama System...
, "Outstanding College Soloist" - 2006 - Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville State UniversityJacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and...
Jazz Ensemble, "College Band of Distinction" - Chip Crotts, Director - 2007 - Troy State University, "College Band of Distinction"
- 2008 - Jackson State UniversityJackson State UniversityJackson State University is a historically black university founded in 1877 in Natchez, MS by the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York. The Society moved the school to Jackson in 1882, renaming it Jackson College, and developed its present campus in 1902. It became a state supported...
, Jackson Mississippi, "College Band of Distinction" - 2009 - Troy State University, "College Band of Distinction"
Spin-Offs from the AJHoF Educational Programs
There are a number of "spin-off" groups spawned by the educational programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Among these is a group called the "Neo Jazz Collective." A group of young students, enabled by the skills they learned at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, created this ensemble, with the intention of becoming a professional entity. The group is directed by Lud Yisrael. Recently, the group started their own school in Fairfield, Alabama, and is fast becoming a popular "Nu-Jazz" ensemble in the Birmingham area. (See the link below, under "External Links," to a video of the Neo Jazz Collective performing at the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival.)Annual "Taste of 4th Avenue" Jazz Festival
During the fall of each year, the "Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz FestivalTaste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival
The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is a one day jazz festival which has been presented annually since 2003 in Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue District downtown. In past years, it was sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Urban Impact. Beginning in 2011, the festival was presented by...
" takes place, jointly sponsored by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Urban Impact of Birmingham.
Free Jazz Workshops, Clinics and Masterclasses
AJHoF offers free jazz workshops, clinics and masterclasses. Past guest clinicians include: Lou MariniLou Marini
Lou Marini, Jr. is an American saxophonist, arranger and composer. He is noted for his work in the jazz, rock, blues and soul music traditions.-Early life and range of musical experience:...
(saxophonist), Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal is a Los Angeles-based contemporary saxophonist best known for his work in the jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop genres....
(saxophonist), Bill Goodwin (jazz drummer)
Bill Goodwin (jazz drummer)
F. Bill Goodwin is an American jazz drummer. Bill has been a professional drummer since 1959, and has performed with many jazz instrumentalists such as: Bill Evans, Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Jim Hall, George Shearing and Bobby Hutcherson, and singers such as June Christy, Joe Williams, Tony...
, 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:...
(drummer), Gregg Karukas
Gregg Karukas
Gregg Karukas is a smooth jazz keyboardist and pianist, originally from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland area. He experimented with keyboards as a child, but it was not until his teens that he pursued music professionally. Gradually, he developed a melodic and soulful style of music that made him a...
(keyboardist) and many others.
Musical Instrument Recycling Program
Every year, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame accepts contributions of used, but repairable, instruments, donated by supporters of jazz in Alabama. Numerous instruments have been donated, many by famous musicians such as Lou MariniLou Marini
Lou Marini, Jr. is an American saxophonist, arranger and composer. He is noted for his work in the jazz, rock, blues and soul music traditions.-Early life and range of musical experience:...
, Erskine Hawkins
Erskine Hawkins
Erskine Ramsay Hawkins was an American trumpet player and big band leader from Birmingham, Alabama, dubbed "The 20th Century Gabriel". He is most remembered for composing the jazz standard "Tuxedo Junction" with saxophonist and arranger Bill Johnson...
, Sammy Lowe
Sammy Lowe
Sammy Lowe was an American trumpeter, arranger, and conductor.Lowe was active both in jazz and in R&B music, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. From...
and Haywood Henry
Haywood Henry
Frank Haywood Henry was an American jazz baritone saxophonist. He was a 1978 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame....
. These recycled instruments are put to use by students of the AJHoF educational programs.
List of Inductees
- 1978: Frank Adams, Amos Gordon, Erskine HawkinsErskine HawkinsErskine Ramsay Hawkins was an American trumpet player and big band leader from Birmingham, Alabama, dubbed "The 20th Century Gabriel". He is most remembered for composing the jazz standard "Tuxedo Junction" with saxophonist and arranger Bill Johnson...
, Haywood HenryHaywood HenryFrank Haywood Henry was an American jazz baritone saxophonist. He was a 1978 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame....
, Sammy LoweSammy LoweSammy Lowe was an American trumpeter, arranger, and conductor.Lowe was active both in jazz and in R&B music, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. From...
, John Tuggle "Fess" Whatley - 1979: Paul BascombPaul BascombPaul Bascomb was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, noted for his extended tenure with Erskine Hawkins. He is a 1979 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame....
, Dud BascombDud BascombWilbur Odell "Dud" Bascomb was an American jazz trumpeter best known for his tenure with Erskine Hawkins. He is a 1979 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame....
, John BellJohn Bell- Law and politics :* John Bell , English barrister* John Bell , professor of law and Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge* John Bell , Member of Parliament from Thirsk...
, Jothan Callins, Charles H. Clarke, Cleveland EatonCleveland EatonCleveland "Cleve" Eaton is an American jazz double bassist from Fairfield, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. His most famous accomplishments are substantial playing stints with the Ramsey Lewis Trio and later with the Count Basie Orchestra...
, Johnny Grimes, Richard HarrisRichard HarrisRichard St John Harris was an Irish actor, singer-songwriter, theatrical producer, film director and writer....
, Jo JonesJo JonesJo Jones was an American jazz drummer.Known as Papa Jo Jones in his later years, he was sometimes confused with another influential jazz drummer, Philly Joe Jones...
, James H. Mitchell, Avery ParrishAvery ParrishAvery Parrish was an American jazz pianist and songwriter.Parrish studied at the Alabama State Teachers College, where he played in the Bama State Collegians, an ensemble led by Erskine Hawkins. He remained in Hawkins's employ until 1941 and recorded with him extensively...
, Sun RaSun RaSun Ra was a prolific jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher known for his "cosmic philosophy," musical compositions and performances. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama...
, John C. ReedJohn C. ReedJohn C. Reed is director of the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in La Jolla, San Diego, California and a pioneer in the field of apoptosis particularly with regard to cancer; he was studying oncogenes and discovered that some of them appeared to regulate cell death rather than cell...
, Laura Washington - 1980: Walter Blythe, Babe Clarke, Peter F. Clarke, Jimmy Colvin, Charles DanielsCharles DanielsCharles Daniels may refer to:*Charles Daniels , U.S. Representative from New York*Charles F. Daniels , American baseball umpire*Charles Daniels , American Olympic competitor...
, Wilson Driver, Jerry GrundhoeferJerry GrundhoeferJerry Grundhoefer was a jazz musician who played clarinet, piano, saxophone, organ, xylophone, and flute in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1980, Grundhoefer was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.-Early life:...
, Calvin Ivory, Henry Kimbrell, Jesse Larkins, Shorty LongShorty LongFrederick Earl "Shorty" Long was an American soul singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer for Motown's Soul Records imprint...
, Rushton Miller, Walter Miller, Fletcher Myatt, C. Julian Parrish, Hampton Reese, Alwilda Smith, John S. Springer, Sr, Newman C. Terrell, Iva B. Williams - 1981: John AndersonJohn Anderson (jazz trumpeter)John Anderson was a jazz trumpeter. He studied at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Westlake College of Music. He did a good deal of work in West Coast jazz with Stan Kenton and others.-Discography:...
, Henry Blankenship, Melvin H. Caswell, Richard ClarkeRichard ClarkeRichard Clarke may refer to:* Richard Clarke , Jamaican boxer* Richard Clarke , Northern Irish footballer with Portadown* Richard Clarke , Northern Irish footballer with Newry City & Glentoran...
, Victor Cunningham, Murray Harper, Jimmie Harris, Theodore Hill, George HudsonGeorge HudsonGeorge Hudson , English railway financier, known as "The Railway King", was born, the fifth son of a farmer, in Howsham, in the parish of Scrayingham in the East Riding of Yorkshire, north of Stamford Bridge, east of York. He is buried in Scrayingham...
, William Johnson, III, Warren Parham, Avery Richardson, Richard Sanford, E. W. Williams, Ivory WilliamsIvory WilliamsIvory Williams is an American sprint athlete who specialises in the 100 meters.Born in Jefferson County, Texas, Williams competed at the 2002 United States Junior Championships, taking bronze in the 200 meters and finishing in fourth place in the 100 m. His first major junior tournament was...
. - 1982: Joe Alexander, Esau Coleman, Alton Davenport, Joseph Guy, Leon Hines, George Hudson, Lovell Litton, James Powell, Sam RanelliSam RanelliSam C. Ranelli was a professional big band jazz drummer from Birmingham, Alabama. Ranelli played with several famous big bands and eventually formed and lead his own big band. In 1982 he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.-References:...
, Tolton Rosser, Joseph Sanford, John Santoro, Roszetta Johnson, William StewartBill Stewart (musician)William Harris "Bill" Stewart is an American jazz drummer. Stewart is a versatile player who has performed with a broad array of musicians, from Maceo Parker to Jim Hall...
, Robert SummersRobert SummersRobert Summers is a U.S. economist and professor emeritus, University of Pennsylvania, where he taught from 1960. A widely cited early work by Summers is on the small-sample statistical properties of alternate regression estimators where analytical measures are unavailable.Summers received his... - 1983: Hooper T. Abrams, Leroy Allen, Leatha Bell, Frank CarpenterFrank CarpenterFrank Carpenter may refer to:*Frank G. Carpenter , American author & photographer*Frank M. Carpenter , American entomologist & paleontologist...
, Paul B. Coman, LaVergne Comer, Dolly Brown Gibson, Marcellus Green, Frank GreerFrank GreerFrank Bartholomew Greer was an American rower who competed in the 1904 Summer Olympics.In 1904 he was won the gold medal in the single sculls.-External links:*...
, Monroe Kennedy, Robert McCoyRobert McCoyRobert McCoy was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Robert McCoy born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania . He served as prothonotary of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania...
, Neil McLeanNeil McLean (saxophonist)Neil McLean is an American saxophonist now residing in Tyler, Texas. As a member of the Henry Kimbrell Group, Ray Reach and Friends, the and the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, he worked with numerous notable performers, including Dionne Warwick, Ella Fitzgerald, Ernie Watts, Lou Marini, Ellis...
, Bull Simpson, Jesse TaylorJesse TaylorJesse Marcus Taylor is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter. He was a cast member of SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter 7, winning his entry, preliminary, quarterfinal and semi-final matches, and then became the only fighter to ever be removed from finals due to events that occurred... - 1984: Doris Adams, Carl Atkins, Lucius Daniels, Ella FitzgeraldElla FitzgeraldElla Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist...
, Shelton Gary, James McDaniels, Robert MooreRobert MooreRobert Moore may refer to:*Robert Moore , Northern Ireland theologian and politician*Robert Moore , United States Congressman from Pennsylvania...
, H. T. Raleigh Randolph, Johnny SmithJohnny SmithJohnny Smith is an American cool jazz and mainstream jazz guitarist.-Early years:...
, Arthur Stringer, Sam TaylorSam Taylor (jazz)Sam Taylor best known as the tenor saxophonist Sam "The Man" Taylor, was an American jazz and blues player, whose honking style set the standard for tenor sax solos in both rock and roll and rhythm and blues.... - 1985: Bo Berry, Edward A. Brown, Henry Caffey, Andrew Fair, Howard Funderburg, W. C. HandyW. C. HandyWilliam Christopher Handy was a blues composer and musician. He was widely known as the "Father of the Blues"....
, Jerome Hopkins, Everett Lawler, James LoweJames Lowe-Life:Lowe was apprenticed on 2 November 1813 to Edward Shorter, a master mechanic and a Freeman of the City of London, who had in 1800 taken out a patent for propelling vessels, which he had named ‘the perpetual sculling machine.’ In 1816 Lowe ran away and joined a whaling ship named the Amelia...
, Willie RichardsonWillie RichardsonWillie Louis Richardson is a former professional American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League. He played nine seasons for the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins...
, Lee Stanfield, Jonny Williams (Honorary inductees: Richard Arrington, Jr, Gloria Curry, J. Garrick Hardy, C. W. Hayes, David VannDavid VannDavid Johnson Vann was mayor of Birmingham, Alabama.Vann was born in Randolph County, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1950, and from the University's law school in 1951. He served as clerk to United States Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, and was present in the courtroom...
, Lewis White) - 1986: Lucky Davis, Henry GloverHenry GloverHenry Glover was an American songwriter, arranger, record producer and trumpet player. In the music industry of the time, Glover was one of the more successful, and influential, black executives. He gained eminence in the late 1940s, primarily working for the independent King label...
, Hortense Henderson, Thomas Lyle, Mary Alice Marable, Jack MarshallJack Marshall (composer)Jack Marshall was an American guitarist, conductor, and composer. He is the father of producer-director Frank Marshall and composer Phil Marshall....
, Ellis McClure, Lucky MillinderLucky MillinderLucius Venable "Lucky" Millinder was an American rhythm and blues and swing bandleader. Although he could not read or write music, did not play an instrument and rarely sang, his showmanship and musical taste made his bands successful...
, Jerry ReedJerry ReedJerry Reed Hubbard , known professionally as Jerry Reed, was an American country music singer, innovative guitarist, songwriter, and actor who appeared in more than a dozen films...
, Dinah WashingtonDinah WashingtonDinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones , was an American blues, R&B and jazz singer. She has been cited as "the most popular black female recording artist of the '50s", and called "The Queen of the Blues"...
, H. T. Ward, Zelpha Wells, Harry YoungHarry YoungHarry "Cy" Young , a native of Charleston, West Virginia, attended three colleges and participated in the athletic programs of all three.... - 1987: Guitar Allen, Donald CrawfordDonald CrawfordDonald Crawford was a United Kingdom Liberal MP. He sat for the constituency of Lanarkshire North-East from 1885 to 1895....
, Jesse Dandy, Ted Galloway, Jerry Greene, Tommie HarrisTommie HarrisTommie Harris, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.Harris has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts...
, Aldolphus Williams - 1988: Horace Carney, Roosevelt Hatcher, James HendersonJimmy HendersonJimmy Henderson was an American jazz trombonist and bandleader.Henderson began playing piano at age six and picked up trombone a few years later. By age 13 he had joined a musicians' union and was first chair at the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra...
, Nathaniel MillerNathaniel MillerNathaniel Miller is a male water polo player from Canada. He won three bronze medals at the Pan American Games with the Canada men's national water polo team during his career....
, Bobby Owens, Rose Marie Rushin, Bonna Mae Perine Samuels, Tommy StewartTommy Stewart (trumpeter)Tommy Stewart is an American trumpeter, arranger, producer, composer and pianist residing in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a member of several active performing groups, including the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland Eaton and the Alabama All-Stars, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars, and Ray... - 1989: Emerson Able, John Carlton, Eddie Castleberry, Samuel Fisher, John McAphee, Jr, Henry Pugh, J. B. Sims, Cornelius Aikens
- 1990: James Reese EuropeJames Reese EuropeJames Reese Europe was an American ragtime and early jazz bandleader, arranger, and composer. He was the leading figure on the African American music scene of New York City in the 1910s.-Biography:...
, Joseph Giattina, William W. Handy, J. Earl Hensley, Nuncie LeBerte, William LeeBill Lee (musician)William James Edwards "Bill" Lee III is an American musician. He has played the bass for many artists including Cat Stevens, Harry Belafonte, Chad Mitchell Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Aretha Franklin, Odetta, Simon and Garfunkel, and Bob Dylan...
, Irene Monroe, William Nappi, Jimmy Randolph, Evelyn Wallace - 1991: Pat Cather, Andre Ford, Ann Graham, Eric Essix, Alex Gulas, Wilbur HardenWilbur HardenWilbur Harden was an American jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer.Harden is most known for his recordings with saxophonists Yusef Lateef and John Coltrane, and also with trombonist Curtis Fuller. One of the first jazz trumpeters to double on flugelhorn, Harden started playing less...
, Cliff Nation, DeWitt Shaw, Pinetop SmithPinetop SmithClarence Smith, better known as Pinetop Smith or Pine Top Smith was an American boogie-woogie style blues pianist...
, James Swyne, Cootie WilliamsCootie WilliamsCharles Melvin "Cootie" Williams was an American jazz, jump blues, and rhythm and blues trumpeter.-Biography:... - 1992: Earlie Billups, Duke EllingtonDuke EllingtonEdward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions...
, Lionel HamptonLionel HamptonLionel Leo Hampton was an American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist, bandleader and actor. Like Red Norvo, he was one of the first jazz vibraphone players. Hampton ranks among the great names in jazz history, having worked with a who's who of jazz musicians, from Benny Goodman and Buddy...
, Trenton Harris, Samuel Lay, Consuela Lee - 1993: Nat King ColeNat King ColeNathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
, John CollinsJohn Collins (jazz guitarist)John Elbert Collins was a jazz guitarist who accompanied many swing era names from 1935–1950, including Art Tatum, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday and Lester Young. His longest association was with Nat "King" Cole, 1951-1965. Known for his rhythm work, he soloed infrequently... - 1994: Cholly AtkinsCholly AtkinsCharles “Cholly” Atkins was an American dancer and vaudeville performer, who later became noted as the house choreographer for the various artists on the Motown label.-Biography:...
, Mary Ogletree, Willie RuffWillie RuffWillie Ruff is the hornist and bassist of the Mitchell-Ruff Duo and one of the founders of the W. C. Handy Music Festival. He was born in Florence, Alabama. The duo regularly performs and lectures all over the United States, Asia, Africa and Europe... - 1995: Jim Bell, Countess Felder, Urbie GreenUrbie GreenUrban Clifford "Urbie" Green is an American jazz trombonist who toured with Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, Jan Savitt, and Frankie Carle....
, Henry PanionHenry PanionHenry Panion, III is an American composer, arranger, conductor, educator, and Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds degrees in music education and music theory from Alabama A & M University and the Ohio State University, respectively...
, Hassan Ralph Williams, Bobby Smith - 1997: Victor Atkins, Jesse Champion, Foxxy Fatts, Thomas Lindsey, Johnny O'NealJohnny O'NealJohnny O'Neal, born October 10, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, is an American Neo-bop jazz pianist. His playing ranges from the technically virtuosic to the tenderest of ballad interpretations. Though unique in style, he is influenced by many jazz elders, including Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum. He has...
- 2001: Rickey Powell, Charles Ard
- 2008: Gene ConnersGene ConnersGene Conners or Connors was an American trombonist and singer. He was known as "The Mighty Flea"....
(aka “The Mighty Flea”), Frank Davis Jr, Bart Grooms, Alvon A. “Sonny” Harris, Grover MitchellGrover MitchellGrover Curry Mitchell was a jazz trombonist and bandleader. He was born in Alabama, but his parents moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was eight...
, Steve Sample, SrSteve Sample, SrSteve Sample, Sr is a renowned bandleader, arranger, composer and jazz educator now residing in Bellingham, Washington. For more than 30 years, Sample was a professor in the Music Department of the University of Alabama, where he directed the Jazz Ensembles and taught music theory, arranging and...
, Harry Noble Simms, Roy Yarbrough
External links
- The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame official website
- Article about Jazz Education at Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in B-Metro Magazine
- The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame at Myspace.com
- Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars at Myspace.com
- The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars at All About Jazz
- 2007 Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival website
- Ray Reach - Official Website
- Listen to music by Ray Reach, Director of Student Jazz Programs
- Video: Neo Jazz Collective performs at the Taste Of 4th Avenue Festival
- Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Student All-Star Band Facebook page
- AJHoF Student All-Star Band profile at AllAboutJazz.com