Jazz legend John Levy dies
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TABJ – Jan 24 - John Levy, the world’s first African-American personal manager of jazz artists has died at the age of 99.
He died in his sleep at his home in Altadena, California after several treatments for heart problems.
His long career saw him manage stars such as Cannonball Adderley, Betty Carter, Herbie Mann, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and George Shearing.
Nancy Wilson, who began working with him in 1959, said in 2002: “He was a great musician, and I wanted someone who would know me as a person. I wanted a life, and he was a manager who would allow me to have a life because he understood.”
Born in New Orleans in April 1912 and raised in Chicago, Levy dropped out of high school and played the piano and bass, working in bars and hotels to achieve his musical goal.
“We are put on this earth for a reason: to help people reach their potential. I’d like to be remembered as someone who made it possible for George Shearing, Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Wes Montgomery and dozens of others to bring music and joy into the lives of audiences all over the world,” his biography read.
Levy leaves behind his wife Devra, son Michael, daughters Pamela McRae, Samara Levy and Jole Levy, 14 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
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