My newest installment in the “In Service of Jazz” series—featuring the unsung heroes of the jazz world, those who support the art and the artists through their own talents and hard work only because of their love of the music—is Sandy Jordan. Sandy, the widow of the great tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, is a truly beloved member of the jazz community: quietly lending a helping hand here, there, and everywhere, supporting her favorite musicians with her presence at all kinds of musical events. She is a visual artist who designed many of the LP covers for the legendary Strata-East label and still designs covers, ads, flyers, programs, etc. for jazz artists. Sandy is a founding member of both the Jazz Foundation of America and the Wilbur Ware Institute, and still serves on both foundations’ boards. She was a voting member of NARAS (the Recording Academy) for over 25 years.
Here is her story in her own words, shaped and edited by me, as we rambled recently over snacks and wine.
