Franz Jackson: News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lauren R. Dolan
312-799-2161
dolan@chicagohistory.org

2008 MAKING HISTORY AWARDS

On May 15, five award recipients will be honored in an evening of tradition and history.

CHICAGO (February 15, 2008) – The Chicago Historical Society is pleased to announce its 5 distinguished recipients for the 2008 Making History Awards. The awards will be presented on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Chicago History Museum with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and awards at 6:30 p.m. This year’s recipients include: W. James Farrell, Sue Gin, Hanna H. Gray, Franz Jackson, and Abbott (acceptance by Miles White).

“The important tradition of these awards allows the opportunity to pay collective tribute to those who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in a wide variety of fields,” said Gary T. Johnson, Museum president. “This year’s award recipients add to the list of the previous distinguished 63 recipients that have exhibited a passion for service to the citizens and institutions of Chicago.” The awards will be presented by James O’Connor, John W. Rowe, James S. Crown, Ramsey Lewis, and Andrew J. McKenna. Presenters O’Connor, Lewis, and McKenna are past award recipients.

Franz Jackson will be awarded The Theodore Thomas History Maker Award for Distinction in the Performing Arts. Jackson, a staple in the jazz community, has received numerous awards and mentions as a leader in the jazz movement. At 95 years of age, Jackson is credited as a founding member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. In 2005, he was an American Heritage Jazz Series honoree as one of the Greatest Living Jazz Tenor Saxophonists, and in 2006, he received the Jazz Institute of Chicago Walter Dyett Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been a participant in the Jazz Institute’s Millennium Park concert series for several years as well as their Saxophone Summit concerts and recently presented the Jazz Institute with a donation earmarked for their Jazz Links program.

Other honorees include:

W. James Farrell will be awarded The Marshall Field History Maker Award for Distinction in Corporate Leadership and Innovation. Farrell was the Chairman, President, and CEO of Illinois Tool Works. He was recognized in 2003 as a Spirit of America Summit Award recipient by United Way of America. He has made an impact on numerous corporations, including holding the position of director at Abbott, 3M Precision Optics, Inc., Allstate Insurance, Sears Roebuck & Co., Morton International, Premark International, United Airlines, Waud Capital, Quaker Oats Company, Kraft Foods, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago where he was also Chairman.

Sue Gin will be awarded The Bertha Honore Palmer History Maker Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership. Gin was the Founder, Owner, Chairman, and CEO of Flying Food Group. Gin graduated from DePaul University, and has since been a member of their board of trustees, and co-chair of the Campaign for Excellence in Science. Gin was honored by the YWCA as an Outstanding Woman of Achievement, Ernst & Young named her their Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame. Gin has been a board member of The Field Museum, Business Leadership Group of Workforce Chicago, Chicago Community Trust, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago Network, and the Chinese American Service League. She was President of the William McGowan Chartable Fund, and a member of the board of directors of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Hanna H. Gray will be awarded The Robert Maynard Hutchins History Maker Award for Distinction in Education. Gray is a historian that was President of the University of Chicago from 1978 through 1993 and is currently the President Emeritus. She has taught at a number of educational institutions throughout her career including Bryn Mawr College, Harvard University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Yale. She has been a fellow of the Newberry Library, the Center of Behavioral Sciences, and an honorary fellow of St. Anne’s College in Oxford, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She holds degrees from Oxford, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, Duke, Harvard, the Universities of Michigan and Toronto and The University of Chicago.

Abbott will be awarded with The Cyrus McCormick History Maker Award for Historical Achievement. This award will be accepted by Miles White, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Abbott founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace Calvin Abbott has been named by Fortune magazine as one of America’s most admired companies every year since 1984. Abbott’s global citizenship is far reaching from environmental action to HIV/AIDS awareness and concerns. They have been a leader in innovative science programming for Chicago Public Schools; contributed millions of dollars to relief for natural disasters across the world; reached out to developing countries providing low cost medications, and invested over $40 million to help strengthen the health care system in Africa with training, laboratories and clinics.

Providing generous support for the 2008 Making History Awards are lead sponsors Bank of America, Exelon Corporation, and Molex Incorporated. Additional major support provided by JPMorgan Chase, the Daly Group, KPMG, Carole and Joseph Levy, Northern Trust, Jeanne and John Rowe, The Sidley Austin Foundation, and UAL Corporation, with media support by WTTW- Channel 11.

Tickets for this year’s dinner and reception, at the Museum on May 15, start at $500 per person, and may be obtained by contacting Kari Riordan at PJH & Associates, Inc. at 312-553-2000. Proceeds from the awards dinner benefit the exhibitions and programs of the Chicago History Museum.

To Michelle Jewell, Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival, Wood Fire Italian Trattoria, and Dowagiac Daily News,

Thank you all very much for the opportunity to be part of Franz's wonderful 95th birthday celebration! Michelle, your graciousness in sharing your dad's celebration with us was such a gift to the Dowagiac community.

Having tickets so easily available at the Wood Fire, Dogwood Festival Offices, and on the Internet made it so convenient.

It was a delightful evening of outstanding jazz, expecially fun because the audience was made to feel part of the spirited musicians on stage. And, of course, there wasn't a bad seat in the house! What a great performing arts facility.

John Eby, your photos and report of the evening gave us a chance to relive the experience and helped those unable to attend feel part of the celebration too.

Happy Birthday, Franz! Thanks for sharing your talent and friends with the Dowagiac community.
Barbara Groner

Judging by the reaction of the crowd on hand, I don't think I'm overstating it much when I say that Franz's 95th birthday gala concert on November 4th will go down in the memories of all who were in attendance as one of the highlights of their musical experience. It was certainly a first for the quaint city of Dowagiac, MI, to host an event of this scale, but hopefully not the last!

My sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped me pull this concert together. The list is extremely long, but every single person I worked with on this event, from the performers, to the maintenance staff at the performing arts center, to the wait staff at the Woodfire, had nothing but enthusiasm, excitement and a sincere feeling of honor in being a part of it. That, to me, was one of the most outstanding things about the entire evening. Everyone was truly focused on celebrating and honoring Franz - a testament, I believe, to his legacy as a musician but more importantly, his legacy as a human being.

My little hometown of Dowagiac came through in a very big way to make this celebration one for the history books and I could not be prouder of how it turned out or more humbled by the appreciation of those who helped me pull it off.

Franz had a ball and from all the compliments I received and smiling faces I saw throughout the afternoon and evening, I can say with assurance that everyone else had a ball, too!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my dad's 95th birthday so special and memorable!


Michelle Jewell

It was truly a pleasure for Franz to perform at the Albert Ammons Centennial Concert on September 22nd in celebration of the 100th birthday of the late legedary jazz pianist who gave Franz his first professional job at the age of 16! Thank you the entire Ammons family for the honor and to Axel Zwingenberger for making it possible!

Following is a birthday tribute and acknowledgement by Lisa Roti, on whose debut album Franz played. On Franz's 94th birthday, Lisa pays tribute to Franz and credits him with giving her inspiration and courage to pursue her dream:

What a Wonderful... Man - My friend, Franz Jackson turns 94 today!

November 1st, 1912.

All Saints Day...what a day to get your start. Legendary saxophonist, Franz Jackson,
was born on this day - 94 yrs. ago. Growing up on Chicago's South Side and listening
to the popular music of the time inspired Franz to save his money and purchase his
first horn. He attended Tilden Technical College where he received his "formal"
muscial education and by night he was on the scene where the lessons really began.
Jackson is one of the last musicians to have learned Chicago jazz from its
originators.

"His first professional gig in his 70-plus year career was with stride pianist
Albert Ammons in 1929 when he was 16. His career continued through the 30..s and
40..s with such jazz luminaries as Albert Ammons, Carroll Dickerson, Jimmy Noone,
Walter Barnes, Roy Eldridge, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Earl Hines, Fats
Waller, Cab Calloway and James P. Johnson. He replaced icon Ben Webster in
Henderson..s and Eldridge..s bands and also won attention, for his big band
compositions and arrangements, of Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and Jack Teagarden."
(www.franzjackson.com)

It was nearly 10 years ago when I first heard Franz play. I was as green as could be
at that time but hearing Franz blow his heart out took my inspiration to another
level. His tone reminded me of "Prez" on those Billie Holiday recordings I used to
sing along to in my room, but there was something different, something that
surprised me - it was this uncontainable, unmistakable abundance of pure joy. I
still see it/ feel it when he plays. It literally comes from his heart, from his
love of the music and of people and of life, especially when he's playing, and he
blows it straight into his mic. Whether through his sax or clarinet or vocal chords
there's not a person within ear shot who can help but feel it. Franz taught me about
getting back what you put out there - your whole heart - that's the gift!

He has given me many gifts, lessons in life and music - every time he would start to
introduce the gifted young singer in the audience. It never failed to surprise me
when I would hear my name being announced to "What do you want to sing little mama?"
JOY, PURE JOY! Those guys would swing so hard - you couldn't help but do it, it's
the truth and that was school. Followed by very specific notes afterwards - always
telling me to get out there and do it.

I'll also never forget the time he told me he could see it, that I had to do it - he
believed in me so early on. Just like I'll never forget when we talked about making
a recording and how on that rainy day last year when I waited for him outside his
apartment with no answer at the door or on the phone and how worried I was. That was
the day we were supposed to drive up to the studio in Wisconsin and record my CD.
What a day that was. I waited and waited, so many calls were made as I had musicians
and studio time waiting for us 3 hours North - well 4+ with the storm. We finally
reached him at his home in Michigan, he had no way of getting back to Chicago until
then anyway and at 92 years old, Franz, so determined not to let me down drove all
the way from Michigan to Chicago in the rain - here "Comes Love". Chris Carani,
Franz and I then drove to the Steel Moon Recording Studios in Oshkosh, WI. and had
what became a very late night session with John Harmon and Mike Hale and Tom
Washatka.... more love.

I'm about to formally release this CD, because I realize now, more than ever, that
it's about more than just me. Yes, I'm blessed to be one of the youngest up and
coming musicians out there to have studied, played and recorded with an 'Original
Jass All- Star' - THE SOURCE, if you will. I know this recording was a very special
gift from Franz and I know that with a release he can come out and play more dates
which will undoubtedly make him happier than anything else. I want to give back to
him in that way. But most importantly, because I know now, you can't get love
without putting it out there. So here 'Comes Love'

and here's some extra love to you Franz, my dear friend and mentor - HAPPY, HAPPY
BIRTHDAY AND MAY WE SWING FOREVERMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOX,
Lisa


http://www.myspace.com/lisaroti

http://www.cdbaby.com/lisaroti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2006

“Local Musician To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award by Jazz Institute of Chicago”

DOWAGIAC, MI – Nonagenarian jazz musician, and Dowagiac, Michigan resident, Franz Jackson, will receive the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Walter Dyett Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala celebrating Miles Davis on August 29, 2006. Walter Dyett was a music teacher at DuSable High School in Chicago in the 1940’s and turned out many fine musicians such as Nat “King” Cole, Milt Hinton, Johnny Griffin and Richard Davis. Mr. Jackson, who will be 94 in November and is a founding member of the Jazz Institute, is being recognized for his 70 year-plus career’s dedication to the jazz community in Chicago and throughout the world.

Franz Jackson is, quite literally, a living jazz legend. Born November 1, 1912 in Rock Island, IL and raised in Chicago, Jackson started his career at the age of 16 with pianist Albert Ammons. He has played with virtually every renowned jazz great including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, Roy Eldridge, Fletcher Henderson, Jimmy Noone and Earl Hines. In the 1950’s Jackson formed his own jazz band, The Jass Entertainers, and enjoyed nearly a decade-long run at the Red Arrow nightclub in Stickney, Illinois. He moved his wife and children to Michigan in 1975 and commuted weekly to Chicago to perform.

Jackson’s performances have spanned the globe, including entertaining US troops overseas in the 50’s and 60’s. He has been the repeat guest performer for royalty in Sweden and Israel and was honored for his extensive career by the Jazz Institute of Chicago as one of the Greatest Living Jazz Tenor Saxophonists in 2005. Jackson continues his career to this day, playing most often in the Michiana area at the Woodfire Restaurant in Dowagiac as well as in Chicago. He also is a guest lecturer on jazz at colleges and universities throughout the region including the University of Notre Dame, Bethel College and Southwestern Michigan College.

Franz Jackson embodies the phrase “living legend”. He continues to do what he loves even into his 9th decade and the recognition of his lifetime of achievement is well deserved.

For more information click on the link below:
http://www.jazzinstituteofchicago.org/Home/JIC4thAnnualGala/tabid/165/Default.aspx

Thanks to Heather Yarbrough and the Chicory Cafe in South Bend for a really great Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras lunchtime celebration! Thanks also to all of you who came out to try the Chicory and hear Franz - it was great and we hope to have him back there soon!

Thanks to Tricia Sloma of WNDU-TV Channel 16 for her outstanding piece on Franz which aired this morning!

If you missed the story, go to the "LINKS" section and click on the WNDU-TV link to see the video.

Franz will be meeting with Douglas Newman of Jazz Reach in January to begin work on a documentary of his life and career.

Watch for more information as this project develops!

Thank you to Mr. Frank Baranko from WSND 88.9, Notre Dame's NPR station, for his great segment on Franz's music Monday, November 14th! Listen to Mr. Baranko's Monday evening show each week where he showcases traditional jazz artists, including Franz Jackson and his band.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2005

“Local Musician Nominated For 2007 National Endowment Jazz Master Fellowship”

NILES, MI – Nonagenarian jazz musician, Franz Jackson, has been nominated for the National Endowment for The Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship. Mr. Jackson, who will be 93 in November, is being recognized for his 70-plus career’s dedication to the jazz community on a national level. The 2007 Fellowship recipients will be announced in the Fall of 2006.

Franz Jackson is, quite literally, a living jazz legend. Born November 1, 1912 in Rock Island, IL and raised in Chicago, Jackson started his career at the age of 16 with pianist Albert Ammons. He has played with virtually every renowned jazz great including Fats Waller, Fletcher Henderson, Jimmy Noone and Earl Hines. In the 1950’s Jackson formed his own jazz band, The Jass Entertainers, and enjoyed nearly a decade long run at the Red Arrow nightclub in Berwyn, IL.

Jackson has performed throughout the world, including entertaining US troops overseas in the 50’s and 60’s. He has been the repeat guest performer for royalty in Sweden and Israel and was honored for his lifetime of achievement by the Jazz Institute of Chicago as one of the Greatest Living Jazz Tenor Saxophonists in 2005. Jackson continues his career to this day, playing most often in Chicago as well as the Michiana area, including periodic lectures on jazz at the University of Notre Dame.

Franz Jackson embodies the phrase “living legend”. He continues to do what he loves even into his 9th decade and the recognition received from his nomination for a Jazz Master Fellowship is more than well deserved.

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