Ira Sullivan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ira Sullivan
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Rich Matteson, Red Rodney, and Ira Sullivan, Village Jazz Lounge, Walt Disney World
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 1, 1931 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | September 21, 2020 (aged 89) Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, saxophone |
| Associated acts | Red Rodney, Lin Halliday |
Ira Sullivan (born May 1, 1931 – died September 21, 2020) was an amazing American jazz musician. He was known for playing many instruments, including the trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, and saxophone. He was also a talented composer, writing his own music. Ira Sullivan was active in the music world since the 1950s and often played with other famous jazz artists like Red Rodney and Lin Halliday.
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About Ira Sullivan
Early Life and Music
Ira Sullivan was born on May 1, 1931, in Washington, D.C., United States. He started learning music at a very young age. His father taught him to play the trumpet when he was just three and a half years old. His mother taught him how to play the saxophone.
In the 1950s, Ira played music in Chicago, Illinois. He performed with legendary musicians like Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Roy Eldridge. He became known as a fantastic bebop soloist. Bebop is a fast and complex style of jazz music. He even played briefly with the famous drummer Art Blakey in 1956.
Moving to Florida
In the early 1960s, Ira Sullivan moved to Florida. He stepped away from the big spotlight of the music world. He loved playing music, but he didn't like to travel much. This meant he had fewer chances to play with the most famous musicians.
However, Ira continued to play in the Miami area. He often performed in schools and churches. He also connected with younger musicians like Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny. This led him to teach music and explore new styles, including jazz rock. He also learned to play the flute and soprano saxophone.
Later Career and Legacy
Ira Sullivan later moved to New York. In 1980, he formed a music group called a quintet with fellow trumpeter Red Rodney. They worked on new songs and helped young, talented musicians. Ira also performed with his longtime friend Stu Katz, a jazz pianist and vibraphonist. They even released a live album called A Family Affair: Live At Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase in 2011.
Ira Sullivan also taught music every summer. He helped students at the Young Musicians Camp at the University of Miami.
Ira Sullivan passed away on September 21, 2020, at his home in Miami. He was 89 years old. His special musical sign-off was the song "Amazing Grace". He played this tune to end almost every performance for many years. After he passed away, the jazz community honored him. They created a collection of over forty performances of "Amazing Grace" as a tribute to Ira Sullivan.
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