Tyrone Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tyrone Jefferson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | July 5, 1953 New York City |
| Genres |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Associated acts | James Brown, Public Enemy, LL Cool J |
Tyrone Jefferson (born July 5, 1953) is an American musician. He is known for playing the trombone. He also writes and produces music. Throughout his career, he has worked with many famous artists. These include James Brown, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Tyrone Jefferson was born in Manhattan, New York City, on July 5, 1953. When he was young, his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he became very interested in jazz music.
He started playing the piano in junior high school. Soon after, he began to play the trombone. Jefferson studied electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He also earned a master's degree in management from Pace University. Later, he studied arranging and composition at Berklee College of Music.
Music Career
In high school, Tyrone Jefferson led his own band. It had a trumpet, tuba, tenor saxophone, and three drummers. During this time, he also started writing songs and arranging music for different instruments.
In the early 1970s, Jefferson joined the Army. He spent three years in Kaiserslautern, Germany. There, he met saxophonist Norwood "Pony" Poindexter. Poindexter later invited Jefferson to play trombone with him. They played at Sunday music sessions in a club in Frankfurt. Jefferson improved his music skills by working with many German bands. He played different types of music with them.
After returning to the United States, Jefferson started arranging live jazz shows. These shows were called sittin' in and took place at Damian's in Augusta, Georgia. These events helped him become well-known in the local jazz scene. In 1976, he got a big chance from percussionist Johnny Griggs. He was asked to join James Brown's band, The J.B.'s, as their director for a tour.
After the tour, he worked with many other musicians. These included James Brown, rappers Public Enemy, and hip-hop artist L.L. Cool J. He also worked with Gospel artist Heather Headley. Jefferson has performed in many countries. He has played in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Japan, Morocco, and the Caribbean. He has also performed at famous places like the Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center.
Jefferson also joined jazz groups like Living Color: 10 Shades of Black. This group was led by Frank Foster. He also played with Slide Hampton's World of Trombones. His work as a trombonist, songwriter, and composer is well-known. He is also dedicated to African American history and culture. Because of this, he has been featured in magazines like Jet and Charlotte Magazine. In 1984, the French Minister of Culture asked him to help write A Hymn for World Peace. He is also mentioned in the book Digging: The Afro-American Soul of American Classical Music.
Community Work and Awards
Tyrone Jefferson is the executive director of A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas. This is a non-profit group. It helps the community through music and educational programs. These programs teach about the history of African Americans. In 2013, he received an award from the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
Music He Has Played On
- Alex Bugnon – Head Over Heels (1990) – Trombone
- James Spaulding – Songs of Courage (Muse, 1991 [1993]) – Trombone
- Errol Parker – Errol Parker (1991) – Trombone
- Public Enemy – Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black (1991) – Horns
- Pee Wee Ellis – Blues Mission (1992) – Trombone
- Errol Parker – Remembering Billy Strayhorn (1994) – Trombone
- James Brown – Live at the Apollo (1995) – Trombone
- Mark Ledford – Miles 2 Go (1998) – Trombone
- James Brown – Dead on the Heavy Funk (1975–1983) 1998 – Trombone
- Heather Headley – Audience of One (2009) – Trombone, Horn Arrangements
Personal Life
Tyrone Jefferson lives in Charlotte with his wife, Toni. They host a weekly radio show called Saturday Night R&B House Party. It is on Gaston College Radio. They also produce The State of Black Music for public access TV. He has three children and five grandchildren.
