They called the Fox, the Boss in the later years. And Ole Blue Eyes was obviously also the Chairman of the Board. Obviously both got a promotion with their nick names in the later years. Which brings me to a story.
I once listened to an interview by one of The Bosses Road Managers. He coincidentally also had worked for The Chairman in some stage capacity. Setting things up, taking things down. He commented that The Boss had as much swank as the Chairman and probably the most charismatic individual he ever met.
Maybe it was the trips to India studying with guru's. Maybe it was the time he spend with Timothy Leary. Or maybe he was just born that way.
I concur. I live in NYC. Worked for a large Fortune 50 company. I've met CEO's actors, actresses, politicians, Run into famous people in the street, and either met, studied or went to see some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time.
I would say that the Boss was the most charismatic person I've ever met in my life. That includes the current POTUS (who wasn't POTUS at the time) and at least two people who have run for POTUS.
Back in the 50's, when the Boss was playing with his band at the original Birdland every night, all the famous baseball players and Broadway stars would go hang out after hours and they all knew the Boss by first name. Even the mob would come see him and one time a heckler in the audience got out of hand (this was in New Jersey) and after the show he accidentally broke his arm. Falling on the stairs or something like that. And that was only the second time the mob helped him out. They wanted Maynard to conduct a band in Vegas for Frank Sinatra's nephew (some relative who was a singer) and Maynard had a court date in NYC. Immigration violation or something. They made one call to NYC and the case was dismissed.
Bottom line, not only was he charismatic, but everyone liked him. They called him the Fox because he was a shrewd business man as well. You don't go all those years leading a big band and not have any business savy.
I wonder if Hayden Carruth read the poem at Ornette's funeral at Riverside Church? The eulogy is on YouTube and it's delivered by Reverend Doctor James A. Forbes with a brief intro by Phil Schaap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvlsZhLDaLs
Ted, thought you would enjoy attached below. By my one time local guitar teacher and former Prairie Home Companion radio show band leader, Pat Donohue... John B.
Let's add "Campeão" for Hermeto Pascoal!
Better yet, "Bruxo"!
Where's Cannonball (for "cannibal") Adderly?
Oh, so that's where it comes from?!
Diz/Dizzy must be in there! I'll check again, I'm sure I'll find it this time.
Man, Dizzy & Sonny are so cemented it’s hard to remember they’re nicknames
Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Tricky Sam Nanton, Shadow Wilson, Willie Bobo.
Cleanhead always been such a cool handle... I might appropriate it😂
Fun!
Very good.
👏👏👏
They called the Fox, the Boss in the later years. And Ole Blue Eyes was obviously also the Chairman of the Board. Obviously both got a promotion with their nick names in the later years. Which brings me to a story.
I once listened to an interview by one of The Bosses Road Managers. He coincidentally also had worked for The Chairman in some stage capacity. Setting things up, taking things down. He commented that The Boss had as much swank as the Chairman and probably the most charismatic individual he ever met.
Maybe it was the trips to India studying with guru's. Maybe it was the time he spend with Timothy Leary. Or maybe he was just born that way.
I concur. I live in NYC. Worked for a large Fortune 50 company. I've met CEO's actors, actresses, politicians, Run into famous people in the street, and either met, studied or went to see some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time.
I would say that the Boss was the most charismatic person I've ever met in my life. That includes the current POTUS (who wasn't POTUS at the time) and at least two people who have run for POTUS.
Back in the 50's, when the Boss was playing with his band at the original Birdland every night, all the famous baseball players and Broadway stars would go hang out after hours and they all knew the Boss by first name. Even the mob would come see him and one time a heckler in the audience got out of hand (this was in New Jersey) and after the show he accidentally broke his arm. Falling on the stairs or something like that. And that was only the second time the mob helped him out. They wanted Maynard to conduct a band in Vegas for Frank Sinatra's nephew (some relative who was a singer) and Maynard had a court date in NYC. Immigration violation or something. They made one call to NYC and the case was dismissed.
Bottom line, not only was he charismatic, but everyone liked him. They called him the Fox because he was a shrewd business man as well. You don't go all those years leading a big band and not have any business savy.
Who walks out on stage like this? https://youtu.be/Ibyeu2GNf1s?si=Bz1o6_lGuHsvWx7u He definitely was the boss.
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. It was great fun to write.
It sounds like I might need to write a Part II!
Ted- there are people here who have never even HEARD Roy Donk.
Wingy Manone
I wonder if Hayden Carruth read the poem at Ornette's funeral at Riverside Church? The eulogy is on YouTube and it's delivered by Reverend Doctor James A. Forbes with a brief intro by Phil Schaap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvlsZhLDaLs
Thank you so much for the link to Dr. Forbes' eulogy at Ornette Coleman's funeral services.
What a powerful talk he gave! I think I will always have the image of the song patrol in my head.
Gloria
Fat Girl!
Came to say this. One of the all time great jazz nicknames.
Excellent!!
Very good – so many names I’ve never heard of – but my favourite doesn’t seem to be there. It’s Jelly Roll.
Chick
Ted, thought you would enjoy attached below. By my one time local guitar teacher and former Prairie Home Companion radio show band leader, Pat Donohue... John B.
https://youtu.be/EU4bQLmR_7w?si=8WaY5lTR3n0pYpdB
yay, just like my ad for my old radio show (about 44 minutes into this broadcast!):
https://www.mixcloud.com/bruce-greeley/kbfgs-puget-soundz-musical-mess-o-miscellany/