PROGRESSIVE MUSIC COMPANY

AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS

BOYS CHOIR AFRICA SHIRTS
 
 
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/building-today-for-tomorrow/x/267428

 Pain Relief Beyond Belief

                         http://www.komehsaessentials.com/                              

 

PITTSBURGH JAZZ

 

From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlan to Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.

 

Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie  idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s?  Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?

 

Some answers  can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

 

For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz.  One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical.  We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it.  When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.

 

Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.

 

WELCOME!

 

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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin

    MARY LOU WILLIAMS     

            INTERVIEW

       In Her Own Words

A Pittsburgh Treasure: Doris Hall Evans Curry on December 14, 2021 at 107

A Pittsburgh Treasure: Doris Hall Evans Curry June 6, 1914 – December 14, 2021


Doris Hall Evans Curry, a genuine Pittsburgh “gem” turned 107 years of age June 1, 2021. This beautiful lady was born on June 1, 1914 in Magee Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of 12 siblings, born to Marguerite and Sellers Hall. Her father was a promi­nent businessman and talented pitcher for the renowned Homestead Grays baseball team. Mrs. Evans Curry re­members selling refreshments at those Negro League baseball games, held in various Pittsburgh ball fields.

Doris Hall Evans Curry attended Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Schenley High School in 1930. After graduation, she worked as a stenographer at the Centre Ave., YWCA. Doris had always dreamed of becoming an English teacher. To pursue this dream, she enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh to begin her studies. After two years of college, she accepted a full-time position as a secretary for several administrators and the City County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. She continued her education, while working full time, at­tending day and evening classes at Pitt. In 1935, Doris Hall Evans Curry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a major in English from the University of Pittsburgh. However, her dream of becoming an English teacher was unrealized. She was told that she could not teach in the city of Pittsburgh, because of her color. In those days people of color were denied many such opportunities. Many well qualified, educated people of color had to relocate. However, Doris con­tinued to work as a secretary in Pittsburgh because she was needed to help support her younger brothers and sisters. Eventually, as job opportunities increased, Doris advanced to the position of Manager, working at several public housing community locations, where she was able to contribute much needed help to those who lived in these areas of public housing. In 1978, Mrs. Doris Evans Curry retired after 35 years of em­ployment, which gave her both satisfaction as well as renumeration.

Doris Hall Evans Curry had two successful marriages. In 1945, she married Staff Sgt. Robert Evans and three years later, they had one son, Robert Evans Jr. both preceded her in death. She thoroughly enjoys Robert Jr.’s family, her gorgeous granddaughter, Anasa Evans-Washington, grandson-in-law, Marlan Washington and her three great-granddaughters, Bria Sahlin, who lives in Sweden. Imani Washington and Kaia Washington, who reside in California. In 1983, Doris married William Curry, Sr., now deceased. She has two wonderful attentive stepsons, Robert Curry and William Curry, Jr. Doris has a special niece, Leslie Chambers, who is always available, when needed. She would visit her often and bring necessities, as well as treats. Doris considers Ms. Chambers as her “guardian angel”. Doris is survived by her four beautiful sisters and baby brother, Wanda Smith, Nedra Miller, Marilyn “Jo Jo” Austin, Elizabeth Waters and Dr. Daryl Hall. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Malcolm Hall, David Hall and Ronald “George” Hall. Doris is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held at the Allegheny Cemetery on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11am.

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