Jazz Preservation Initiative

VIRGINIA JAZZ: THE EARLY YEARS

Roy Johnson’s Happy Pals Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom in New York – 1929. (L to R): Harold “Pops” Griffin (clarinet/sax), Emmitt “Lic” Johnson (clarinet/sax), Nathaniel “Buster” McPherson (clarinet/sax), Roy F. Johnson (drums, leader), Edward “Pickles” Humes (trumpet), Leroy “Fess” Wyche (piano), Percy Trent (trumpet), Fleming “Beans” Edwards (trombone), William “Mama” Allen (bass, tuba), Edward “Skinny” Trent (banjo)

Richmond Jazz Society, Incorporated has created a multi-media exhibition that showcases Virginians who made a significant contribution to the development of Jazz as an American art form – from the early rhythms of the music’s birth at the turn of the 20th century to the multifaceted vibrations leading to the music’s modern sound.

RJS’ Jazz Preservation Initiative continually seeks to document Virginia’s Jazz history with the objective of bringing to the forefront the achievements of those individuals who have made a significant impact on Jazz throughout history.

For additional information about our exhibition please contact RJS via email: rjs@vajazz.org

Major support for this project was provided by:

THE CABELL FOUNDATION

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