Three music birthdays this month: Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington

There are three very special birthdays this month in the music world; Billie Holiday, April 7, 1915, Charles Mingus, April 22, 1922, and Duke Ellington, April 29, 1899.   WKCR New York City radio 89.9 F.M. www.wkcr.org celebrates these birthdays with 24 hour broadcasts.  They have been doing this for over 40 years, and I've been listening to them for over 25 years.  I highly recommend them.  See www.wkcr.org for details on the broadcasts and further information.

Ornette Coleman and Bix Beiderbecke birthday broadcasts

This month WKCR will be doing two 24 hour birthday broadcasts: Ornette Coleman March 9 and Bix Beiderbecke March 10.  Bix Beiderbecke was one of the early pioneers of the improvised solo.  He was active in the 20's and early 30's, and died much too young in 1931.  Ornette Coleman was one of the inventors of the free jazz movement.  He has had a long and varied career, which is still going strong at age 84.  In 2007 he won the Pulitzer Prize for his album Sound Grammar.  See www.wkcr.org.  I have been listening to these broadcasts for many years, and they are both entertaining and informative.  I don't think there is another radio station in the world that devotes this much time to honor a musician.  If there is, let me know. 

WKCR birthday broadcast for Lester Young and Charlie Parker

www.wkcr.org 89.9 FM in the New York area is doing a birthday broadcast for Lester Young and Charlie Parker now through the night of  August 29 at midnight.  This is to honor two of the greatest influences on music.  Lester Young was born on August 27, 1909 and Charlie Parker was born on August 29, 1920.  WKCR has been doing these broadcasts for many years, so check it out.

Louis Armstrong birthday broadcast, August 4

 

Louis Armstrong celebrated his birthday on July 4, 1900.  However a baptismal document, years after his death, revealed that his true birthday is August 4, 1901.  So WKCR has two 24 hour birthday broadcasts.  See www.wkcr.org for the celebration!!  Below is an interesting video of Pops on the Johnny Cash show.

Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington Birthday Broadcasts

April is a big month for jazz birthdays, and WKCR, New York City radio, will be celebrating in style, with 3 24 hour birthday broadcasts.

Billie Holiday, born April 7, 1915, in Baltimore, Md. had a distinctive style, and revolutionized jazz vocals.  She was given the name of Lady Day by her close friend and musical partner Lester Young, whom she met during her time with Count Basie.  Holiday's trademark was the emotion that came through the interpretations of the songs, many of which were popular standards.

Charles Mingus, born April 22, 1922 in Nogales, Az. was a bassist, pianist, band leader and composer.  Mingus said that his music comes from the black church, Duke Ellington, and Art Tatum.  He used many talented musicians to interpret his compositions, including, John Handy, Eric Dolphy, Clarence Eugene Shaw, Roland Kirk, Jimmy Knepper, and his long term drummer, Danny Richmand.

 

 

Edward Kennedy Ellington, born April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C. was America's greatest composer.  His legendary career spanned over 70 years.  The maestro has said that his music comes from the blues, and that his orchestra is his instrument.  He is the author of thousands of compositions, many of which were classical.  Some of Duke's influential works were the extended suites, such as Black, Brown and Beige, Sophisticated Lady, and Jump For Joy. 

These music legends will be honored on their birthdays at  www.wkcr.org.

Debut blog from Armstrong to Zappa

I can't think of a better day to debut this blog than celebrating the 84th birthday of Cecil Taylor.    www.wkcr.org is doing a birthday broadcast as we speak.  Cecil Taylor was born on March 25, 1929 in New York City.  Classically trained, he is one of the pioneers of free jazz.  He has a percussive approach to the piano, producing extremely improvised music, frequently involving tone clusters and polyrhythms.  Taylor has had a long and varied career as a solo performer and leader of many aggregations.  I would suggest visiting youtube for a sample of his performances and search the web for tour dates.