Abstract for November Conference

“How to live and be somebody”: Fellowship and Lessons of Black manhood in the NYC Jazz Community

Eddie Locke has been a fixture of the New York City based jazz world since he arrived in 1954. His oral histories and extensive collection of photographs provide a unique window on the community of NYC-based professional jazz musicians, and describe a world of rich friendships, professional support and family life.

While entering NYC as a member of a younger generation, Eddie was mentored by mature musicians who had created a close knit community and social atmosphere. It was in this community that Eddie learned the ethics and lessons of how to live a vibrant, successful, and productive life.

Eddies memories tell us how this community of black male musicians supported, taught, and encouraged each other in their professional and social lives. Far from the memories of drugs and bars, the stories and photographs depict a group of friends working together in concert halls and clubs, and relaxing with family and friends in apartments and restaurants. The community was held together by bonds of professionalism, friendship, and in the end, the music itself.

Although an emphasis is sometimes placed on the active and politically divisive elements in jazz music of the late twentieth century, a community of working professionals continued to thrive through an era of great musical, political, and economic change. This research contributes to the understanding of Jazz musicians in the 1950’s to the present, and adds a unique voice to its colorful history.

Me

Need a Forum to Post Ideas

To whom it may concern,

This is in an effort to post my ideas historical. Be they important or negligible, I have found that I need to have an outlet or they will stop reproducing.

Best of luck to myself.

Regards,
-Increase Mather