Washington Jr. The famous saxophonist died last December, weeks after playing in his 10th Pitt jazz concert. At intermission, Christine Washington will accept posthumous honors for her husband. In December, Davis and his Pitt Jazz Seminar All-Stars will perform in Ghana. University Times Assistant Editor Bruce Steele recently interviewed Davis. I never thought the whole thing would become as big and as popular as it is today.
People call from Maryland, New Jersey, California, all over, reserving tickets.
That we would develop such a loyal following never would have crossed my mind 30 years ago. I'd been a faculty member here for a few months when I heard, in 1970, that Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers were playing at the Crawford Grill in the Hill District. I had toured Europe as a member of the Jazz Messengers in 1965. Art found out I was in Pittsburgh and phoned me. I always say the idea for the Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert was born on the Crawford Grill stage.