John Levy (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Levy
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Jimmy Jones and John Levy, 1947.
Photography by William P. Gottlieb. |
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| Background information | |
| Born | April 11, 1912 New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Died | January 20, 2012 (aged 99) |
| Instruments | bass |
John Levy (born April 11, 1912 – died January 20, 2012) was an amazing American jazz musician. He played the double bass, which is a very large string instrument. John Levy was also a very successful businessman. He became the first African-American personal manager in the music world.
Early Life and Music Career
John Levy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. This city is famous for its jazz music. In 1944, he moved from Chicago to New York City. New York was a big center for jazz music.
In New York, John Levy played his bass with many famous jazz artists. Some of these included Ben Webster, Erroll Garner, and Billie Holiday. He was a talented and in-demand musician.
In 1949, John Levy joined the George Shearing Quintet. He played the bass for this popular jazz group. He also helped manage the band's tours. This job was called a "road manager."
A Pioneer in Music Management
John Levy was not just a great musician. He was also a smart businessman. In 1951, he started his own company. It was called John Levy Enterprises, Inc. This was a very important step. He became the first African-American to be a personal manager for pop and jazz artists.
A personal manager helps artists with their careers. They handle things like booking shows and managing money. They make sure the artist can focus on their music.
By the 1960s, John Levy managed many big stars. His clients included Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, and Ramsey Lewis. He helped these artists become even more successful.
Awards and Legacy
John Levy's work was recognized by many. In 1997, he was honored. He was added to the International Jazz Hall of Fame. This is a very special award for jazz legends.
In 2006, he received another big honor. He was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. This award celebrates people who have made a huge impact on jazz music.
John Levy lived a long and successful life. He passed away on January 20, 2012. He was 99 years old. He left behind a great legacy in both music and business.
