For Immediate Release: June 5, 2013
Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, and Clark terry inducted into JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER’s ERTEGUN JAZZ HALL OF FAME
Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees Celebrated with Awards and Jazz Performances
New York, NY (June 5, 2013) Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, and Clark Terry were inducted into Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame (EJHF) at an induction ceremony and luncheon yesterday at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s (JALC) home, Frederick P. Rose Hall. The EJHF honors iconic artists and members of the jazz community based on his or her singular dedication and outstanding contributions to jazz. The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Band featuring Jonathan Batiste, Reuben Rogers, Joe Farnsworth and special guest musicians performed throughout yesterday’s ceremony which was webcast live.
The 2013 inductees earned the majority popular vote cast by jazz fans around the world in an online public vote earlier this year. Click here for more information about the 2013 NEJHF inductees.
Guests at the induction ceremony and luncheon included JALC Chairman of the Board Robert J. Appel, and board members Diane Coffey, Gordon Davis, Hughlyn Fierce, Michael Fricklas, Mark Patterson, Keith Reinhard, Mark Rosenthal, Melanie Shorin, and George Wein. JALC Executive Director Greg Scholl, New York City Council Member Gale Brewer, author Geoff Ward, musicians Michael Carvin, Louis Hayes, Willie Jones III, Clarence Penn, Joe Wilder, and actor Courtney B. Vance were also in attendance. Members of this year’s EJHF nominating board – Ed Berger, Connie Crothers, Stanley Crouch, Wynton Marsalis, Phil Schaap, Loren Schoenberg, and Spike Wilner – were among presenters and guests.
Robert J. Appel opened the ceremony by acknowledging Blakey, Hampton and Terry’s outstanding contributions, noting that each honoree “embodies the highest level of excellence of artistry in jazz.” Appel thanked the Ertegun family for its passionate advocacy of jazz and longtime support for the organization, and acknowledged Mica Ertegun as an ardent supporter of JALC’s mission. JALC’s Chairman also thanked Barbara and Ray Dalio whose contributions made this year’s EJHF induction ceremony possible.
Todd Stoll, JALC’s Vice President, Education, said the organization has inducted 41 members into the EJHF and will continue to induct new members annually. He announced that the EJHF will live through JALC’s digital realm, on screens throughout Frederick P. Rose Hall and in an app which will be released in the fall of 2013. “The new Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame app will ensure that all communities have access to the organization’s tributes to the inductees,” said Stoll.
Author Stanley Crouch offered touching remarks about each inductee. “Hampton,” he said, “could do one of the most important things in jazz: he could play.” Crouch called Terry “a superb example of a real jazz musician,” and said Blakey was a “remarkable drummer and an extraordinarily intelligent man.”
JALC Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis joined the The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Band to perform “All the Things You Are.”
Actor Courtney B. Vance read remarks, written by author Geoff Ward, in honor of each inductee. “Art Blakey,” Vance read, “was tireless, and able to outswing musicians less than half his age. He was the living, laughing symbol of the resiliency of the music he loved.”
Jazz drummer Louis Hayes presented Blakey’s award which was accepted by Takashi Blakey, Blakey’s son and Administrator of the Estate of Art Blakey. The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Band, joined by Dominick Farinacci, Javon Jackson and Frank Lacy, performed “Blues March” by Benny Golson.
Introducing Hampton’s award, Vance read, “very few musicians spread as much joy in their lifetimes as Lionel Hampton did, and no one swung so hard, so long.”
JALC Curator Phil Schaap presented Hampton’s award which was accepted by Tim Francis on behalf of Hampton’s estate. The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Band featuring vibraphonists Joe Locke and Warren Wolf performed “Midnight Sun,” composed by Sonny Burke, Lionel Hampton, lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Introducing Terry’s award, Vance read, “Clark Terry told his students ‘when you climb up a little on the ladder, don’t just stand there and say, ‘Hey, look at me.’ Turn around and help somebody else. That’s what family is for.’ If jazz is a family, Clark Terry deserves a place near the head of the table.” Wynton Marsalis presented Terry’s award which was accepted by David Demsey on behalf of Terry. The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame Band, joined by Roy Hargrove, performed “If You Could See Me Now.” The band was then joined by Jimmy Heath, Dominick Farinacci, Helen Sung, and Warren Vache to perform “Gwen,” composed by Terry.
JALC Board Member Lola West thanked the guests before introducing the closing song, “Flying Home,” co-composed by Hampton and performed by all the guest musicians.
The EJHF honors legendary artists or members of the jazz community based on his or her singular dedication and outstanding contribution to jazz. To date, Jazz at Lincoln Center has inducted 41 members into the EJHF and will continue to induct new members annually. This year’s inductees were nominated by a committee of select musicians and scholars and voted in by an international public vote open to jazz fans around the world. This year’s nominating committee includes Ed Berger, Bill Charlap, Connie Crothers, Stanley Crouch, Jon Faddis, Vince Giordano, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Phil Schaap, Loren Schoenberg, and Spike Wilner.
This initiative is made possible through a generous gift from Ray and Barbara Dalio.
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