Tyrone Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tyrone Jefferson
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| Born | July 5, 1953 New York City |
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| Associated acts | James Brown, Public Enemy, LL Cool J |
Tyrone Jefferson (born July 5, 1953) is an American musician. He plays the trombone, writes music, and produces songs. Throughout his career, he has worked with famous artists like James Brown, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J.
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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.
Tyrone Jefferson studied at several universities. He earned a degree in electrical engineering. He also got a degree in managing computer systems. Later, he received a special certificate in writing and arranging music from Berklee College of Music.
Tyrone's Music Career
Starting Out
In high school, Tyrone Jefferson led his own band. It had a trumpet player, a tuba player, a tenor saxophone player, 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 playing music in Kaiserslautern, Germany. There, he met a saxophonist named Norwood "Pony" Poindexter. Poindexter invited Jefferson to play trombone with him at a club in Frankfurt. Jefferson got even better at music by working with many German bands. He played different types of music with them.
Playing with Famous Artists
After returning to the United States, Jefferson started arranging live jazz sessions. These were held at Damian's in Augusta, Georgia. These "jam sessions" helped him become well-known in the local jazz scene.
In 1976, percussionist Johnny Griggs gave him a big chance. Jefferson joined James Brown's band, The J.B.'s, as their leader for a tour. After that tour, he worked with many other musicians. These included James Brown, rappers Public Enemy, hip-hop artist L.L. Cool J, and Gospel singer Heather Headley.
Tyrone Jefferson has performed all over the world. He has played in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the Caribbean. He has also played at famous places like the Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center.
Jefferson also played with Frank Foster's jazz group, Living Color: 10 Shades of Black. He also joined Slide Hampton's World of Trombones. Stories about his work have appeared in magazines like Jet. 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.
Helping the Community
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 share the history and culture of African Americans.
In 2013, he received an award from the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
Music He Played On
Here are some albums Tyrone Jefferson played trombone or arranged horns for:
- Alex Bugnon – Head Over Heels (1990)
- James Spaulding – Songs of Courage (1991)
- Errol Parker – Errol Parker (1991)
- Public Enemy – Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black (1991)
- Pee Wee Ellis – Blues Mission (1992)
- Errol Parker – Remembering Billy Strayhorn (1994)
- James Brown – Live at the Apollo (1995)
- Mark Ledford – Miles 2 Go (1998)
- James Brown – Dead on the Heavy Funk (1998)
- Heather Headley – Audience of One (2009)
His Life Today
Tyrone Jefferson lives in Charlotte with his wife, Toni. They host a weekly radio show called Saturday Night R&B House Party on Gaston College Radio. They also produce a TV show called The State of Black Music. He has three children and five grandchildren.
