Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame facts for kids
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| Founded | 1988 |
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| Founder | Senator Maxine Horner, Co-Founder Senator Penny Williams, Co-Founder |
| Type | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization |
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| Website | okjazz.org |
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is a special place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It's a non-profit organization that celebrates amazing jazz, blues, and gospel musicians from Oklahoma.
The Hall of Fame is located in an old train station called the Tulsa Union Depot. Now, it's known as the Jazz Depot! It's a cool place where you can enjoy live music. It's also a museum filled with photos, stories, and items from famous musicians. Some of these musicians include Chet Baker, Earl Bostic, Don Cherry, Charlie Christian, and Jimmy Rushing.
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Celebrating Oklahoma's Music Stars
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame holds a special event every year. This event is called the induction ceremony. It's where they honor people and groups who have made big contributions to jazz, blues, and gospel music.
The Hall of Fame used to induct new members in June. Now, this exciting event happens every November. So far, more than 100 musicians and groups have been honored! A music teacher named Zelia N. Breaux was the very first person inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award
In 1999, the Hall of Fame started a special award. It's called the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors musicians who have enriched Oklahoma's music throughout their lives.
Some famous people who have received this award include Jay McShann, Lou Donaldson, Dave Brubeck, and Ramsey Lewis. Even legendary artists like Nat King Cole and Bob Wills have been honored with this award.
Memorable Performances
The Hall of Fame has been home to some very special moments. In 1991, the guitarist Barney Kessel gave a speech there. It was about how musicians create music on the spot. This was his last public appearance before he retired.
Singer Joe Lee Wilson also gave his last public performance at the Hall of Fame. This happened when he was inducted in 2010.
History of the Jazz Depot
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame was created in 1988. This happened because of a law passed by the Oklahoma Legislature. State Senators Maxine Horner and Penny Williams helped make it happen.
The Hall of Fame was part of a plan to rebuild the historic Greenwood district in North Tulsa. This area had been damaged a long time ago. The organization first started in the Greenwood Cultural Center. They also helped with a yearly celebration of black music called “Juneteenth on Greenwood.”
A New Home for Music
In 2004, a project called Vision 2025 helped the Hall of Fame. Tulsa County gave $4 million to buy and fix up the Tulsa Union Depot. This building became the new home for the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
The work on the building was finished. The Jazz Depot officially opened its doors on June 19, 2007.
Overcoming Challenges and New Beginnings
In late 2020 and early 2021, the Jazz Hall faced some financial difficulties. However, a new group called The Jazz Foundation LLC stepped in to help. They bought the Jazz Hall and took over the lease of the Depot in June 2021.
The new owners promised to invest a lot of money. They planned to make big improvements to the building. They also wanted to make sure the Jazz Hall could keep celebrating Oklahoma's jazz and gospel artists.
By July 2022, exciting renovations began at the facility. The plan was to reopen in early 2023. The building is now simply known as the Jazz Depot. The Jazz Foundation spent $2 million to update the second-floor Grand Entrance Hall, Exhibit Promenade, and Performance Hall. These changes help make the Jazz Depot an even better place for music and visitors.
Images for kids
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Headquarters of the Hall of Fame, the Tulsa Union Depot
See also
- Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
- List of music museums
