July 26th 2023.
This month has been a special one for a number of jazz legends. On July 20th to 23rd, Charles McPherson celebrated his 84th birthday at Dizzy's, and the two-night event featured a performance of his greatest hits alongside other musical talents.
The celebration didn't end there. On July 23rd, composer and trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah celebrated the debut of his memoir, A Strange Celestial Road: My Time in the Sun Ra Arkestra, with a book signing at Sista’s Place on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. Abdullah spoke about his new book, which had been in the works since 1997. He said that he had just left the Sun Ra Arkestra, and wanted to share his experience of working with him and his understanding of who Black people are.
Abdullah toured with Sun Ra extensively and was featured on 25 of the bandleader's recordings. He worked with the Arkestra on and off from 1975 until 1993, when Sun Ra passed away. According to Abdullah, Sun Ra believed that he was creating music for the 21st century.
On July 10, bandleader and composer Joe Wilder was posthumously honored with a Congressional Gold Medal in Harlem, New York. His wife and daughter accepted the award in his stead, and it was a recognition of Wilder's successful career. He was a renowned trumpeter, and during his stint in the Marine Corps, he served as assistant bandmaster, the first Black man to hold that position.
Finally, some musicians have taken it upon themselves to celebrate their life’s achievements while they are still here. In March 2023, musical legend Chaka Khan will take to the stage to salute her career with a party and duet with Stevie Wonder. For more information on Abdullah’s book signing, contact 398-1766.
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