
Jazz
Remembering 'Schoolhouse Rock!' songwriter Dave Frishberg
The jazz pianist and singer, who died Nov. 17, wrote witty songs and moving ballads, as well as material for the kids' TV show Schoolhouse Rock! Originally broadcast in 1991.
'Fresh Air' Remembers George Wein, Founder Of The Newport Jazz Festival
The pioneering music impresario, who created the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954 and the Newport Folk Festival in 1959, died Sept. 13. Originally broadcast in 2003.
Remembering Legendary Jazz Pianist And Composer Chick Corea
Corea, who died Feb. 9, had a strong melodic sense and a crisp, distinctive touch at the keyboard. Looking back, it's easy to hear why he was among the most beloved of modern improvising composers.
Remembering Jazz Tuba Player Howard Johnson
In the 1960s and '70s, Johnson, who died Jan. 11, played on recordings by Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner and Carla Bley. He also led his own ensembles, including Gravity. Originally broadcast in 1984.
Remembering The Jazz Legends Who Died In 2020
Dozens of notable jazz musicians died this year, many from COVID-19. Fresh Air critic Kevin Whitehead remembers some of the legends lost, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Ellis Marsalis and Jimmy Heath.
Remembering Jazz Singer Annie Ross
Ross, who died July 21, was a member of the jazz vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She wrote "Twisted," which was recorded by both Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler. Originally broadcast in 1990.
'Fresh Air' Remembers Jazz Archivist And Historian Michael Cogswell
Cogswell, who died April 20, was executive director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, which houses journals, trumpets, tapes, photographs and other artifacts. Originally broadcast in 2001.
Remembering Trailblazing Jazz Saxophonist Lee Konitz
Konitz, who died April 15, had one of the longest careers in jazz. He was an intuitive soloist, with a mercurial tone, a quick mind and lifelong commitment to improvisation.
'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.