At The Feet of a Jazz Master

Three years ago, I followed a ninety-three year old legend to New York City for a historic event...The NEA, or National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters induction ceremony. At the time, my father-in-law was on his death bed in a Los Angeles hospital. My father-in-law had been hospitalized on numerous occasions, but I did not think that he would die while I was in New York.

I was truly excited about the trip to NYC with the great John Levy. His name is not new to jazz purists. He started his career as a jazz bassist – even played with Billie Holiday. Most know him though as the greatest jazz manager ever. A quick visit to Wikipedia or Google should explain my excitement.

To be in New York City surrounded by jazz royalty – Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Billy Taylor, Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner… at the feet of a Jazz Master… John Levy. Another highlight would be spending time in the recording studio with Nancy Wilson.


News of my father-in-laws passing came during the special NEA Jazz Masters luncheon. It was truly a bittersweet moment. It was tough losing a man who had become my father. Yet I was in New York, placed in a unique position to bear witness to history from behind the lens. Leo, my father, my friend, knew that photography was my passion, so I hoped that he would understand.

Tears for my father-in-law flowed freely at one point. I was in the recording studio with Nancy Wilson while she recorded Billie Holiday's “I’ll be seeing you.” If you know the song, you will know why. "I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places..." Anyway, she too had lost a good friend earlier in the week... the great Lou Rawls. So we shared a tearful moment during the studio playback of the song. I love Nancy Wilson!


John turns ninety-seven this weekend and I wanted to send birthday greetings and to thank him for an incredible experience in New York. Let me pause for a second... ninety-seven... God is good! I just spoke with Mr. Levy and he is about to go into an interview. The legend only grows!