By Jim Gallert with Lars Bjorn J.C. Heard (1918 – 1988) left a large legacy to the jazz world.  He’s on many important records, he played in amazing bands, he spread the jazz doctrine to Japan, and he was a vital force on Detroit’s jazz scene.  Every year the Detroit […] Read More »

These are blogs we visit and enjoy. If you have a website about jazz, send us a link! https://www.jazzwax.com Marc Myers’ fine blog has good writing and great interviews. https://www.detroitjazzfest.org Detroit’s free event features thoughtful programming, four stages, and all ancillaries necessary for a jazz-packed weekend each and every Labor […] Read More »

By Jim Gallert with Lars Bjorn Beginning in the late nineteen thirties, trumpeter Mathew Rucker (1919-2017) became a force on the competitive Detroit music scene, leading bands, making money, and living his Life.  His Spirits of Swing had two Detroit musicians who went on to receive worldwide acclaim – Pianist/Organist […] Read More »

By Jim Gallert with Lars Bjorn When Detroit pianists are discussed, Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Roland Hanna, and Hank Jones are always mentioned.[1] If the participants are in-the-know, the names of Terry Pollard, Harold McKinney, and Kenn Cox could pop up.[2] Willie Anderson (1924-1971) seldom is included. For thirty years […] Read More »

Jim Gallert and Lars Bjorn have been friends for over forty years. They have recently joined with Rod Arroyo, who shares their passion for Detroit jazz history, to continue the mission of sharing Detroit’s jazz history. All three give lectures and presentations on their research. They are Jazz archaeologists. Contact […] Read More »

Many musicians, and others, have allowed us to copy images. Some of these appeared in Before Motown or other feature pieces. Below is a sample. Read More »