Gay/Jazz Intersection

{The Akron Night-Life}

A significant part of Akron's history that tends to be overlooked is its place in jazz history. Akron may have not been the birth place of jazz music (that credit goes to New Orleans, Louisiana) it was a popular destination on many musician's tours from all over the nation. In the 1940s, Howard Street earned its nickname, Little Harlem, as the jazz community in Akron flourished.

Despite its popularity, jazz as a social phenomena has provided the space for a flourishing “underground” scene. In this context, the term “underground” represents individuals that the majority of society may have perceived as “undesirable." Jazz music was often regarded as a lesser music genre and even seen as an evil plague on society due to its African American roots and often suggestive themes. People of color, queer individuals and those involved in interracial relationships thrived in jazz positive environments due to the incorrect, societal stigmas also placed upon them.

Below are some jazz musicians from this time and playlists to take you back to Howard Street in the early to mid-1900s when jazz music played out of every window. Please enjoy the sounds of these talented souls and experience Akron passion anew.

Sonny Stitt

1924-1982. American bebop saxophonist.

Lou Donaldson

1926-present. American jazz saxophonist and composer.

Duke Ellington

1899-1974. American jazz pianist and composer.

Bill Doggett

1919-1996. American jazz pianist, organist and composer.

1940s-1950s Jazz

Jazz from the 40s-50s including artists such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong and songs such as "Tampico" and "Summertime"

1960s-1970s Jazz

Jazz from the 60s-70s including artists such as Nina Simone and Peggy Lee and songs such as "I Put A Spell On You" and "Body and Soul"

Queer Jazz

Queer jazz including artists such as Carmen McRae and Roberta Flack and songs such as "Miss Chatelaine" and "Lush Life"

Cab Calloway

1907-1994. American jazz singer.

Ella Fitzgerald

1917-1996. American jazz singer.

Don Patterson

1936-1988. American jazz organist.

Carmen McRae

1920-1994. American jazz singer.

On the Sunny Side of the Street, 1958

Featuring Sonny Stitt on tenor saxophone, Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet, Lou Levy on piano, Ray Brown on bass, & Gus Johnson on drums. "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is a 1930 classic by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields.

Whiskey Drinkin' Woman, 2015

Featuring Lou Donaldson on saxophone, Dr. Lonnie Smith on organ, Lionel Loueke on guitar, & Kendrick Scott on drums. "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman" is written by Lou Donaldson and Leon Spencer in 1981.

Sweet Sweet Baby, 1972

Featuring Toni Williams on vocals, Bill Doggett on organ, Benny Goodwin on guitar, Bill Martin on tenor, Walter MacMahon on bass, & Kenny Clayton on drums. "Since You Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)" was released in 1968 credited to Aretha Franklin.

St. James Infirmary Blues, 1964

Featuring Cab Calloway on vocals. "St. James Infirmary Blues" is a jazz song with unknown history, but was popularized by Louis Armstrong in 1928.

It Don't Mean A Thing, 1965

Featuring Ella Fitzgerald on vocals, & Duke Ellington on piano. "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a jazz song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in 1932.

Walk On By, 1969

Featuring Don Patterson on organ, Sonny Stitt on tenor saxophone, Billy James on drums, & Grant Green on electric guitar. "Walk On By" is a jazz song by Don Patterson and Sonny Stitt in 1969.

'Round Midnight, 1962

Featuring Carmen McRae on vocals, Norman Simmons on piano, Victor Sproles on Bass, & Walter Perkins on Drums. "'Round Midnight'" is a 1944 jazz standard by pianist Thelonious Monk and Jon Hendricks.

Need More Intersectionality?

If you're curious about the fascinating connection between jazz and the LGBTQIA+ community, here is an entertaining speech by jazz singer, radio station host and queer individual: Heather Bambrick. It covers how jazz and queerness became a perfect pair and the importance of understanding the history of both.

Resources & References

“Howard St.--Raze or Raise It?” Akron Beacon Journal. March 27, 1968. Page 1.
Leonard Riforgiato. “20 of the Most Essential Jazz Recordings from the 1940s.” Heywood-Wakefield. May 24, 2012.
“Sonny Stitt.” Britannica.
“Sonny Stitt: Biography.” Leo T Sullivan Jazz Websites.
“Lou Donaldson.” Music Archives.
“Duke Ellington.” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
“Bill Doggett Albums.” Blue Sounds.
“Bill Doggett Discography.” Discogs.
“Cab Calloway Biography.” Encyclopedia of World Biography.
“Ella Fitzgerald.” National Women’s History Museum.
“Don Patterson Discography.” Discogs.
“Biography.” Carmen McRae - The Definitive Website.

Page updated

Report abuse