June 28th 2024.
The Brooklyn community has recently paid tribute to the legendary jazz musician, Max Roach, by renaming a corner in his honor. Those who visit the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant will now be greeted by a street sign that reads "Max Roach Way". This heartwarming gesture was reported by Brooklyn Magazine and marks a significant moment for the iconic musician, composer, and Civil Rights activist.
Located at the corner of Greene and Marcy Avenues, the street sign serves as a reminder of Roach's strong ties to the neighborhood. In fact, he once lived at 541 Greene Ave. with his family back in 1940. The name change took place on June 19, in the very same neighborhood where the talented drummer grew up during the Great Depression. Despite being born in North Carolina, Brooklyn was the place that shaped Roach's formative years. After attending Boys High School and honing his musical skills, he landed his first gig with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. Sadly, Roach passed away in 2007, but would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year on Jan. 10, 1924.
According to a Facebook post by his son, Raoul Roach, the renaming ceremony is just one of the many events planned to commemorate his father's birthday. The newly named "MAX ROACH WAY" serves as a powerful symbol of Roach's lasting impact on music and culture. This street co-naming not only honors his extraordinary talent and achievements but also highlights his deep roots in the Brooklyn community. The City of New York and the Roach family invite all residents and jazz enthusiasts to join in celebrating the legacy of Max Roach, a man whose innovative spirit and dedication to his craft continue to inspire generations.
During the renaming ceremony, Mayor Eric Adams shared some heartfelt words about the musician, stating, "Max was like a doctor because music has the power to heal. In a world filled with hate and division, he had the ability to bring people together." Roach was also the co-founder of Debut Records, a Brooklyn-based record label that was owned by musicians, a groundbreaking concept at the time that played a pivotal role in the advancement of jazz. Throughout his career, Roach collaborated with esteemed artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and many others, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.
In addition to this tribute, the Brooklyn community can look forward to more celebrations of Roach's life and legacy, including the upcoming Blue Note Jazz Festival in 2024, where Robert Glasper, the Artist In Residence, will lead a star-studded lineup in a celebration of Black culture "On The Highest Level". Max Roach may have left this world, but his music and influence will continue to live on, inspiring generations to come.
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