Jazz
'Fresh Air' Remembers Jazz Guitar Great Bucky Pizzarelli
Pizzarelli, who died April 1 of COVID-19, played with Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Rosemary Clooney, among others. He spoke to Fresh Air in '92 and again, with his son John, in '06.
Branford And Wynton Marsalis Reflect On Their Father, Jazz Patriarch Ellis Marsalis
Fresh Air celebrates Ellis Marsalis, who died April 1 of COVID-19, by listening back to interviews with two of his sons. Branford spoke of his father in 2002; Wynton's interview is from 1994.
Remembering Jazz Trumpeter, Singer And Actor Jack Sheldon
Sheldon, who died Dec. 27, sang with Benny Goodman and was bandleader and sidekick for Merv Griffin's talk show for many years. Originally broadcast in 1993.
Remembering Musician, Singer, Songwriter And Producer Dr. John
New Orleans musician Mac Rebennack, A.K.A. Dr. John, died Thursday at 77. He was known for his raspy voice and hits such as "Right Place, Wrong Time" and "Such A Night." Originally broadcast in '86.
Remembering 'Schoolhouse Rock!' Jazz Musician Bob Dorough
Dorough, who died Monday, spoke with Terry Gross in 1982 and 1996. He told her his career was launched when an advertising executive asked him to put the multiplication tables to music.
Recalling The Athletic Style Of Pianist And Composer Cecil Taylor
Critic Kevin Whitehead remembers the late musician, who was known for his animated piano recitals and group improvisations, and who sometimes used his forearm to play dense clusters on the keys.
Remembering Buell Neidlinger, A Genre-Hopping Bassist, Composer And Music Teacher
Neidlinger, who died March 16, was a child prodigy on the cello who went on to perform in the New York Philharmonic and also as a studio and jazz musician. Originally broadcast in 1989.
Remembering Roswell Rudd, A Jazz Musician With An Ebullient Sound
The trombonist, who died on Dec. 22, spoke to Terry Gross in 2002 about the first time he played the horn as a kid: "This phenomenon came out, and I said, 'Damn, that's me! '"
Remembering Interdisciplinary Composer Muhal Richard Abrams
Critic Kevin Whitehead says Abrams, who died last week, was "steeped in jazz, but eager to take on a wider world." Abrams was a co-founder of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians.