Alma Julia Hightower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alma Hightower
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|---|---|
| Born |
Alma Julia Webster
27 November 1888 |
| Died | 1 August 1970 (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, USA
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Mrs. Alma Hightower |
| Occupation | Musician, Vocalist, Teacher, Composer, Band Leader |
| Known for | teaching many students who became noted musicians |
Alma Julia Hightower (born November 27, 1888 – died August 1, 1970) was an amazing American musician and teacher. She taught music to thousands of kids and adults. Many of her students became famous performers, like Clarence McDonald. She was a singer, played instruments, and led bands.
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About Alma Hightower
Alma Julia Webster was born on November 27, 1888. Her hometown was Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up with at least four brothers and sisters.
In the 1920s, Alma moved to Los Angeles, California. She first lived with her nephew, Alton Redd. Later, she moved to a rented house. There, she started her amazing career. She became a musician, composer, band leader, and music teacher. Her main teaching place was the Hightower Music Studio and Conservatory. It was located on Vernon Avenue in Los Angeles. Alma was a very skilled musician. She could play the saxophone, drums, and piano.
Helping Others with the WPA
From 1936 to 1943, Alma Hightower helped with the Work Projects Administration (WPA). The WPA was a big government program. It helped people find jobs during tough times. Alma worked on projects for arts, drama, and music. She taught hundreds of young people. They learned to act, dance, sing, and play instruments. This happened at the Ross Snyder Recreation Center.
The WPA was a huge program. It gave jobs to millions of people. They built public buildings and roads. The WPA also helped feed children and gave out clothes. Almost every town in the U.S. had something built by the WPA. This program was very helpful for many families.
Her Own Music Studio
On July 14, 1943, Alma bought some land. It was on Vernon Avenue. She built rental apartments there. She also turned a four-car garage into her Music Studio Conservatory. This became a special place for her students.
Her Family and Students
Alma was married for a short time to a man named Hightower. Around 1927, she adopted a young girl. Her name was Minnie Alma. Minnie was the daughter of a friend from Louisiana.
Alma also had a very big extended family. This included her many nieces and nephews. Some of them were Alton Redd and Vi Redd. Vi Redd became a famous alto saxophonist and singer. Alma was known as "Aunt Alma" to her nieces and nephews. Her adopted daughter's children called her "Bamma." To her many students, she was "Mrs. Hightower."
In 1947, Minnie Hightower played in an all-female band. This group was called The Four Queens. They were the opening act for the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. Minnie played the alto saxophone in the band.
Alma Hightower passed away on August 1, 1970. She was 81 years old. She died in Los Angeles.
Her Legacy
On November 30, 2007, Alma Hightower was honored. She was one of 32 entertainers celebrated. This event took place at the Community Build Park in Los Angeles.
Famous Students
Many of Alma Hightower's students became well-known musicians. Here are some of them:
- Chico Hamilton, a percussionist
- Charles Mingus, a bassist, composer, and band leader
- Illinois Jacquet, a woodwind player
- Ernie Royal, a guitarist and trumpeter
- Buddy Collette, a woodwind player
- Dexter Gordon, a tenor saxophonist
- Sonny Stitt, a tenor saxophonist
- Melba Liston, a trombonist
- Big Jay McNeely, a tenor saxophonist
- Clora Bryant, a trumpeter
- Vi Redd, an alto saxophonist
- Roy Ayers, a xylophonist and percussionist
- Clarence McDonald, a keyboard player and record producer
