Jimmy Heath lectures at the University of Connecticut
Dates
- 1976 November 2
Summary
Composer and saxophonist Jimmy Heath lectured on 11/2/1976 (2015-0002/RR18).
Biographical / Historical
Heath (nicknamed "Little Bird" in honor Charlie Parker) came from a musical family. His brothers included drummer Albert Heath and bassist Percy Heath. His family was known for inviting visiting musicians into their home for dinner and lodging, this allowed Heath to meet many of his musicial idols growing up.
Heath's father bought him a saxophone when he was 14 and learned the instrument after 6 months. At the time of his 1976 lecture, he had composed over 60 compositions and described himself as a "musician's musician" because he was more interested in writing and performing rather than fame or fortune.
Heath, unlike other lecturers, warned students about the isolating and alienating nature traveling musicians encounter as well as the dangers of drug use among entertainers. Heath only spoke for about 15 minutes and left plenty of time for student questions. He appeared to relish having students pose questions to him.
Existence and Location of Originals
Original audio recordings reside in the University of Connecticut, Black Experience in the Arts Collection, Archives & Special Collections, UConn Library.
- African American composers Subject Source: Fast
- African American musicians Subject Source: Fast
- African Americans Subject Source: Fast
- African Americans in popular culture Subject Source: Fast
- Black Experience in the Arts Course (University of Connecticut) -- Sound recordings Subject Source: Local sources
- Sound recordings Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Repository Details
Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524
archives@uconn.edu
