Pittsburgh's Own Regional Notables of Jazz
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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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OBITUARY OF HAROLD "BRUSHES" LEE
Harold W. Lee
September 12, 1926 - December 14, 2025
Harold Wilson Lee, affectionately known as "Limo" and "Broshes", age 99, transitioned to be with the Lord on December 14, 2025. Harold was one of five children born to Harold W. Lee Sr. and Bertha B. Lee on September 12, 1926. He was married... View Obituary & Service Information
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Obituary for Harold W. Lee
Harold Wilson Lee, affectionately known as "Limo" and "Broshes", age 99, transitioned to be with the Lord on December 14, 2025.
Harold was one of five children born to Harold W. Lee Sr. and Bertha B. Lee on September 12, 1926. He was married the love of his life, the late Carolyn E. Palmer in 1947. From that union they were blessed with five children, George Lee (Veronica Morgan-Lee), Harold Lee (deceased), Ronald Lee (deceased), Marsha "Kelly" Lee and Carole "Spanky" Lee (William Hawkins III). He was the brother of David Lee (Kathy Lee); brother in law to Reu Floyd Palmer Jr. and friend of close family member Howard Brooks. Grandfather to eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Harold was a member of the St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Pittsburgh's Hill District.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. Benedict the Moor Parish, 91 Crawford St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Military Honors will follow after the service outside.
Arrangements were entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.
Memorial Service
JAN 10. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM.
St. Benedict the Moor Parish
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Memorial Service begins.
Military Honors
JAN 10. 11:45 AM.
St. Benedict the Moor Parish
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Military Honors begins.
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