Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS
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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.
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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
OBITUARIES
Information
As our musical icons are graduating into the higher realms we want to keep them fresh in our memories. Please join this group where you can post any obituaries of the ancestors of our tradition for all to read and learn more about them.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Members: 106
Latest Activity: Jun 4, 2024
THOUGHTS ON MORTALITY
Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides. ---Lao Tzu
O Death, Thou shalt not
Break my pride!
As thou art fame to do
With thy icy hands
As I am living here
With all my awakened soul
Being not connected
To the worldly greed
I have my feet
Measured into three steps
Permanent ground
For my celestial grave
To whom shalt thou
Mitigate even an inch?
The space where my tombstone
Wilt be eracted with pride
Though all thy world
Whose senses work under limit
Of time and space
Feels jealous of my lot
O Death, Thou shalt greet me
As a military troop to their leader
Laughing under suppressed voice
At my crowded depature
-M.A.Rathore
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have formed during the last few years such close relations with this best and truest friend of mankind, that his image is not only no longer terrifying to me, but is indeed very soothing and consoling! And I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity...of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.
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yes, You...
this part of myself
that i lost with your death.
an ever wailing in my heart
and an ever rejoicing in your freed-OM.
THE EVER PRESENT SILENCES
no whispers or glaring sounds can fill. yes...
i continue to learn in your absence...
a fullness of Spirit informs me.
today, the Ancestral realm is singing.
and i, both witness and altar boy
stand in awe and in wonderment;
the exquisite dance of sounds and lights
raining down through and upon me.
and, i bathe in this holiness
where tears wash this
heart and my soul.
amen.
---Vandorn Hinnant
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Garden of Memory
There comes to me from out of the past...
a recollection true...
a living glimpse of bygone days...
dear memories of you...
I have within my deepest heart...
a picture of your face...
and though the years may come and go...
time never can erase...
still gently stealing through the night...
are dreams that passed me by...
and I will ever reminisce...
'til stars fall from the sky...
the things we did I live again...
like it was yesterday...
and I am filled with thrills divine...
by what my thoughts portray...
oh voice that echoes through the years...
you bring the happy hours...
in the garden of my memory...
bloom the eternal flowers.
---Ben Burroughs
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Are we as afraid of being born as we are of dying?
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The top 10 things dead people want to tell living people, are:
1. They're not dead.
2. They're sorry for any pain they caused.
3. There's no such thing as a devil or hell.
4. They were ready to go when they went.
5. You're not ready.
6. They finally understand what they were missing.
7. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the moment you arrive.
8. Don't try to understand this now, but life is exceedingly fair.
9. Your pets are as crazy, brilliant, and loving here as they were there.
10. Life really is all about love, but not just loving those who love you…
In their own words,
The Universe
P.S. They also wanted you to know that they really do show up as orbs in some of your photos, but so does water. Quite a talkative bunch.
Discussion Forum
Celebrating the Life of Mr. Louis Cameron Gossett, Jr., May 31, 2024
Started by Dr. Nelson Harrison. Last reply by Dr. Nelson Harrison Jun 4, 2024. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath Dies at 88
Started by Dr. Nelson Harrison May 22, 2024. 0 Replies 1 Like
Drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath Dies at 88NEWS, ALBERT “TOOTIE” HEATHBy …Continue
Tags: pittsburgh, jazz, network, downbeat, at 88
Rayfield Wright, Dallas Cowboys MVP dies on April 7, 2022.
Started by Dr. Nelson Harrison Apr 18, 2024. 0 Replies 1 Like
Richard Stagg/Getty ImagesRayfield "Big Cat" Wright died at the age of 76 on April 7, 2022, after being hospitalized with seizures. According to ESPN, Wright was inducted into the Football Hall of…Continue
Tags: fame, pittsburgh, jazz, network, hall
Drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath Dies at 88
Started by Dr. Nelson Harrison Apr 12, 2024. 0 Replies 3 Likes
Drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath Dies at 88NEWS, ALBERT “TOOTIE” HEATHBy …Continue
Tags: kenny, network, clarke, music, philadelphia
Comment Wall
Comment
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Comment by Max Leake on September 14, 2011 at 2:37pm
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I'm sorry to hear of Hosea's passing from our world. His unique spirit will be missed. I have fond memories of gigs with him when I was a "baby".
Max Leake
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Comment by Dr. Nelson Harrison on September 14, 2011 at 1:17pm
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HOSEA SAMUEL TAYLOR | Visit Guest Book
TAYLOR
HOSEA SAMUEL
Of the Hill District, passed peacefully on September 9, 2011. He leaves to cherish his memory, loving children Lester Manuel, Hosea Taylor, Jr., Contessa Sims (David), Barron Taylor (Tonya); caring grandfather of 15; great-grandfather of three; also many other relatives and friends. Visitation Tuesday 4-8 p.m. SPRIGGS & WATSON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 720 N. Lang Ave., E.E., where services will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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Comment by The Brian Edwards Excursion on September 13, 2011 at 7:48pm
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I am sorry to hear of Mr. Taylor's passing. I can say I was fortunate enough to play on one Mr. Taylor's recordings along with the late Gene Ludwig. It was a pleasure to have shared a moment in time with him.
Brian E. Edwards
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Comment by bob studebaker on September 12, 2011 at 3:12am
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I count myself lucky to have had a chance to spend some time with Mr. Taylor. I'll be re reading my copy of "Dirt Street" and thinking about him.
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Comment by Barbara Ray on September 12, 2011 at 2:25am
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My Dear Friend Hosea Taylor .. you were one of a kind and I thought you'd be around forever - anytime one or the other would pick up the phone. Far over 30 years we were friends - all through the years rather thick or thin... I miss you much my friend - but my faith is strong and I believe I'll see you again.
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Final Arrangements for William Green (brother of George Green):
Viewing on Monday 9/12/11 at Bethany Baptist Center, 7745 Tioga St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2263 Phone: 412) 242-8865.
The funeral will be held at the same place on Tuesday 9/13/11 at 11am.
Please share this information with friends and acquaintances.
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Hosea Taylor Final Arrangements:
Viewing Tuesday 9/13/11 from 4 - 8pm at Spriggs-Watson funeral Home on the corner of Bennett Street and Lang Ave. in Homewood.
The funeral will be from the same place on Wed. 9/14/11 at 11 am.
Please share this information with other friends and acquaintances.
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Comment by Dan Wasson on September 11, 2011 at 10:01am
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Comment by Anthony (Tony) Janflone on September 10, 2011 at 8:04pm
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Hosea was a lot of fun to play with. I enjoyed his musicianship. He also was very colorful and unique!! God rest his soul.
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Comment by Roberta Windle on September 10, 2011 at 6:09pm
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God rest the souls of Mr. Green And Mr. Taylor.Thank you for sharing your talents with all.
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