I would like to be younger, but I do not regret my age, because being around for this long means that I got to see Jimmy Rushing, Buck Clayton, Ruby Braff, Vic Dickenson, Bud Freeman, Freddie Green, and Buzzy Drootin, sometimes close enough to have conversations. So when I hear their music I see them in front of me, in motion, having a good time, fulfilling their purpose on the planet, joyously. But even if you, reading this, know them only as vibrations in your earbuds, we are so fortunate that they left their soul-stirring (no cliche!) sounds for us to hear.
I present them, gloriously alive.
I’M GONNA SIT RIGHT DOWN AND WRITE MYSELF A LETTER / GOIN’ TO CHICAGO / ST. LOUIS BLUES. Announcer (not all that amusing) Willis Conover. Newport Jazz Festival, July 2, 1959.
Jimmy Rushing, vocal; Buck Clayton, trumpet; Ruby Braff, cornet; Vic Dickenson, trombone; Bud Freeman, tenor saxophone; Pee Wee Russell, clarinet; Ray Bryant, piano; Freddie Green, guitar; Champ Jones, double bass; Buzzy Drootin, drums. Originally broadcast by the Voice of America:
I saw Jimmy Rushing only once, on April 4, 1972. He died on June 8 from leukemia. That April night at the Half Note, where he was accompanied by Ruby Braff, he had difficulty climbing the three or four steps to the bandstand, and he sang, seated. Each time he sang, his performance was lengthy, not perfunctory. He never faltered.
When the performance was over, we walked past him on the way to the street. I said the only words that seemed appropriate, “God bless you, Mr. Rushing,” and he thanked me. I should have said, “Thank you, Mr. Rushing, for the blessings you give us.”
Wishing you all joy, health, music, and freedoms in 2026.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 