Tag Archives: American musician

Quincy Jones: A Musical Genius

Born March 14, 1933, on Chicago’s South Side, his family moved to a suburb of Seattle when he was ten years of age. Quincy Delight Jones, Jr’s love affair with musical expression began when he was in elementary school, and his choice to play the trumpet evolved only after he had tried every single instrument available to him in high school band. While barely in his teens, he befriended a local singer-pianist who was a bit older. His name was Ray Charles. The two worked together, forming a combo and performing at small clubs and local weddings. Known as “Q” … Continue reading →

Wynton Marsalis: Gideon’s Disciple

Wynton Marsalis was born on October 18, 1961 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Delores and Ellis Marsalis, a music teacher. He is the second of six sons, one of whom is autistic. His father was a permanent fixture on the New Orleans jazz scene, and several of Wynton’s brothers are also musicians, notably saxophonist, Branford, who is as well known as Wynton among jazz afficianados. Wynton was drawn to music at an early age and when he was eight performed traditional New Orleans music at the Fairview Baptist Church in a band led by banjoist, Danny Barker. At the age … Continue reading →