Preston Love facts for kids

Preston Haynes Love (born April 26, 1921 – died February 12, 2004) was an American musician. He was a talented saxophonist, a bandleader (meaning he led his own music groups), and a songwriter. Preston Love was from Omaha, Nebraska, in the United States. He became famous for playing alongside many well-known jazz and rhythm and blues artists. Some of these famous musicians included Count Basie and Ray Charles.

Preston Love's Musical Journey

Preston Love grew up in North Omaha. He went to North High.

He became a professional sideman. A sideman is a musician who plays with other artists or bands, but is not the main leader. Preston Love was known for his saxophone playing during the big band era. This was a time when large jazz bands were very popular.

Playing with Famous Bands

Preston Love played in several bands early in his career. These included bands led by Nat Towles, Lloyd Hunter, Snub Mosley, Lucky Millinder, and Fats Waller.

His big chance came when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra. He was 22 years old at the time. Love played and recorded with Count Basie's band from 1945 to 1947. He even played on Basie's only number one hit song, "Open The Door Richard."

Leading His Own Band

After playing with Count Basie, Preston Love started his own band. As a bandleader, he performed with many legendary singers. These included Lena Horne and Billie Holiday. He also played with his friends Johnny Otis and Wynonie Harris. He had several hit songs with Wynonie Harris.

In 1952, Preston Love started a record label called Spin Records. He created it with songwriter Otis René. His own band, the Preston Love Orchestra, released music on this label.

Working with Motown Stars

In the early 1960s, Love moved to California. There, he worked with Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. He then became the main bandleader for Motown's West Coast studio. Motown was a very famous record company.

As Motown's bandleader, he played and toured with many top artists. These included The Four Tops, The Temptations, Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight. He also recorded music with Nichelle Nichols, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, Shuggie Otis, T-Bone Walker, Charles Brown, and Ruth Brown.

Preston Love even appeared in a movie! He was in the Clint Eastwood film Play Misty For Me with the Johnny Otis band. He continued to tour the U.S. and Europe into the 2000s. He also gave talks and wrote about his experiences in music history. Other famous musicians he played with included Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder.

Later Years in Omaha

In his later years, Preston Love moved back to Omaha. He wrote a book about his life in music. He also continued to lead bands. His last band included his daughter, Portia Love, who was a singer.

He also worked as an advertising agent for the Omaha Star. This is a local newspaper that serves the African American community in Omaha. Preston Love was also the father of singer, songwriter, and bass player Laura Love.

Preston Love passed away in February 2004, after battling prostate cancer.

His son, Preston Love Jr., is an activist and politician. He received support from the Nebraska Democratic Party. He ran for the 2020 United States Senate election in Nebraska against Senator Ben Sasse.

Awards and Honors

Preston Love received many awards and honors for his contributions to music:

• In 1975, he became the first jazz artist-in-residence for the Iowa Arts Council. This means he was a special guest artist who taught and performed.
• In 1992, he received an honorary doctorate from Creighton University. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.
• In 2003, at 82 years old, the Omaha Press Club honored him. They recognized him as a notable newsmaker.
• In 2005, the non-profit Loves Jazz and Arts Center was created. This center helps promote jazz and arts.
• In 2005, he was added to the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame.

Music Recordings

Preston Love released several albums. Here are some of his recordings:

As a Bandleader

These are albums where Preston Love was the main artist:

• Preston Love's Omaha Bar-B-Q (1970)
• Omaha Blues (2001)
• Preston Love (2003)

As a Sideman

These are albums where Preston Love played with other artists:

With Count Basie

• The Count (1957)
• Basie's Basement (1959)
• 1947 Brand New Wagon (1990)

With Other Artists

• Lucky Millinder with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Lucky Days 1941–1945 (1980)
• Shuggie Otis, Here Comes Shuggie Otis (1970)
• Johnny Otis, The Johnny Otis Show Live at Monterey! (1971)
• T-Bone Walker, Stormy Monday Blues (1968)

Books by Preston Love

Preston Love also wrote a book about his life and music:

• A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: My Life in Music from Basie to Motown and Beyond. (1997)