Zena Latto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zena Latto
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Latto in her sister Claire Richmond's home in New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Background information | |
| Born | October 25, 1925 The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 5, 2016 (aged 90) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Instrumentalist |
| Instruments | Clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone |
| Associated acts | The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, The Modern Moods |
Zena Latto (October 25, 1925 – April 5, 2016) was an American jazz musician. She played the clarinet and saxophone. Zena was famous for playing with the big band called the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. This was during the 1940s and 1950s. She even bought a baritone saxophone to keep playing with them. Zena stayed with the Sweethearts until 1955. After that, she led her own band, the Modern Moods, from 1955 to 1957.
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Early Life and Music Journey
Zena Latto was born in the Bronx, New York. She lived there until 1975. Her father was from Poland and worked as a tailor. Her mother was from Russia. She worked as a seamstress after Zena's father passed away. Zena had two older sisters, Mildred and Claire. They were also born in New York City.
Discovering Jazz Music
Zena said her sister Claire first showed her jazz music. They grew up together in New York City. Claire loved the bandleader and clarinet player Benny Goodman. Zena said he was a big influence on her.
In 1940, Zena saw Benny Goodman play live. It was at the Paramount Theater in New York City. This show inspired her a lot. At age 16, she started clarinet lessons. She wanted to become a clarinet player. Later, she also learned to play the tenor and baritone saxophone.
Mentorship from Benny Goodman
Zena met Benny Goodman in person in 1943. She said he was an important mentor to her. He helped her learn about the jazz scene in New York. He invited her to band rehearsals and shows. There, she met many musicians backstage. Zena also said that Lester Young helped her buy her first tenor saxophone. It was a Conn, the same brand he used.
In an interview from 2015, Zena talked about facing challenges. She and her musician friends were an interracial group. They sometimes faced unfair treatment. Zena once spoke up about a bad experience. She sent a formal complaint to New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia. She wanted to make things better for musicians.
Playing with Famous Bands
Zena Latto started playing the baritone saxophone in the late 1940s. The manager of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Rae Lee Jones, asked her to join. This was an all-female band. Zena played with the Sweethearts in many places. One famous place was the Apollo Theater in Harlem. In 1953, Zena's mother became sick. Zena stopped touring to work part-time in an office. She wanted to care for her mother.
Carnegie Hall Performance
On November 29, 1957, Zena played at Carnegie Hall. It was a concert called "Jazz Female." She played tenor saxophone with other women musicians. These included Melba Liston, Morgana King, and Elaine Leighton.
This concert happened on the same night as another big event. It was the "Thanksgiving Jazz" concert. That show had famous artists like Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie.
The Moderne Moods Band
Zena Latto also started her own all-female band. It was called the Moderne Moods. Anita Gibson, who played the vibes, was one of her band members.
Life in New Orleans and Florida
In 1975, Zena moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. She was not feeling well and went to live with her sister Claire. At age 53, she decided to go back to school. She wanted to get a music degree.
Zena graduated from Loyola University in 1985. She was 60 years old. She thanked John Mahoney, the Jazz Director at Loyola, for his help. Zena also taught music. She taught clarinet and saxophone to children and adults. She did this from 1986 to 1996.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina damaged her home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Zena then moved to Jacksonville, Florida. She lived there until she passed away in 2016.
