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Norman Granz
By: Jeff Peckham Norman Granz (1918-2001) was a towering figure in the world of jazz, a producer, impresario, and activist whose unwavering commitment to the music and its artists profoundly shaped the genre’s trajectory in the mid-20th century. Born in Los Angeles, Granz’s early life saw him develop a deep passion for jazz, which he…
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The Village Vanguard
By: Jeff Peckham The Village Vanguard, a venerable institution nestled in the basement of 178 Seventh Avenue South in New York City’s Greenwich Village, stands as a living testament to the evolution and enduring spirit of American music, particularly jazz. Opened in 1935 by Max Gordon, the club initially showcased a diverse range of acts,…
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Ronnie Laws, The Unsung Hero of Contemporary Jazz
By: Tony Exum, Jr. Born in 1950 in the great city of Houston, TX Ronald Wayne Laws was born into a music loving family. His older brother Hubert Laws is a jazz legend, sister Eloise Laws also a legend in R&B/Jazz and younger sister Debra Laws is a recording artist as well best known for…
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Blues Insider: Debbie Davies
By: BJ Estares Debbie Davies (born August 22, 1952) is an American blues guitarist. Davies was born in Los Angeles, California, United States. A veteran of the road, she began her professional career in the early 1980s, but her life and work were profoundly shaped by her time as a featured guitarist in the legendary…
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Fannie Mae Duncan & the Cotton Club of Colorado Spring
By: Jeff Peckham The legendary Cotton Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, owned by the pioneering entrepreneur Fannie Mae Duncan, was a beacon of integration and world-class jazz during a segregated era. Often mistakenly referred to as “Cotton Club West,” this establishment was Duncan’s personal vision and one of Colorado Springs’ most significant cultural and civil…
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Jack DeJohnette
By: JJ Sechan Sadly, October saw the loss of several legendary musicians who have shaped the fabric of American music, including bassist Anthony Jackson and singer/multi-instrumentalist D’Angelo. However, today I want to mark the passing of Jack DeJohnette, whose inimitable drumming kicked off the fusion genre and redefined the role of a drummer as an…
