The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, paid tribute to Duke Ellington, with a two-day celebration in honor of his 111th birthday. In addition, NEA Jazz Master Clark Terry and Kansas City jazz legend Alaadeen were given American Jazz Museum Lifetime Achievement Awards; each received a bronze bust of Charlie Parker inscribed with “Bird Lives.” The events included educational panels with NEA Jazz Masters Dan Morgenstern and Terry, as well as Alaadeen and Barrie Hall. The appearance of Terry, a veteran of both the Duke Ellington and the Count Basie orchestras, was a central part of the museum tribute to Ellington, but Terry wasn’t the only Ellington alumnus on hand for the celebration. Kansas City jazz musician Barrie Lee Hall, Jr. joined Ellington’s orchestra in 1973.
Originally Published
