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Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff |
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Chicago Jazz Legend Takes Final Bow
Produced by Gianofer Fields on Thursday, May 08, 2008
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Franz Jackson, one of the few remaining tenor saxophone players of the Pre-Swing era jazz passed away this week at the age of 95.
Franz Jackson began his life long love affair with the saxophone at the age of twelve, influenced by the music of Louis Armstrong. He played his first gig in Chicago in 1929 at the age of sixteen. According to his online biography, Jackson was one of the last musicians to learn Chicago Jazz from its originators. In the '30s and '40s he continued his educations with jazz greats like Earl Hines, Benny Carter and Albert Ammons. Later starting his own group called the Chicago Jazz Stars. Music historian Richard Wang says he owes his love of jazz to Franz Jackson and that’s something he shares with many who heard him play.
WANG: He made me aware of jazz history because he was a living legend and veteran of jazz history. His loss will leave us without any representatives of that era of formative of Jazz in Chicago and elsewhere
Wang says that Jackson played with the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz at a time when the tenor saxophone was a new member of the Jazz family.
WANG: You know one of the great things about a jazz player who finds his own voice is that they continue to develop that own voice. You didn’t listen to Franz Jackson expecting to hear someone who played like Coleman Hawkins or Lester Young. He just was an original and Chicago was very fortunate to have him, here for so many decades and performing.
Franz Jackson Died Tuesday Morning. A memorial service is scheduled for May 24.
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Bill Higgins, Dowagiac, MI // Friday, May 09, 2008 @ 2:09 PM
I've had the pleasure to know Franz over the last few years and agree that he was a legend. Last November we hosted a "Happy 95th Birthday Party" here in Dowagiac that was highly attended. Over 18 jazz players who knew Franz traveled to play with him and celebrate this event. Franz played WITH them for every set for over 3 1/2 hours and then joined everyone for dinner and conversation at our restaurant, The Wood Fire, where Franz has been a featured performer for many years. He was the last one to leave the restaurant that night....not bad for someone who just turned 95!!!!
He played his sax like no one else right up until last month and even someone with no music talent knew that this was a truly a jazz genius.
He's now playing on the BIG STAGE with all his buddies!
Thanks Franz for all the joy you brought to so many..
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