Thanks, Maynard

When I was first getting know jazz in high school, this man, usually referred to simply as “Maynard,” was the talk of the band. And not just the trumpet section. This man had earned the respect of everybody.

He played in Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton’s big bands, released over 60 albums, and won a Grammy nomination with his recording of the theme to “Rocky.”

When in high school, we were quite aware of his jazz “cred.” There really are not many people around that played with the greats, and Maynard is, to my knowledge, the only one that was himself still touring.

I was able to see him live once while in high school with a group from the jazz band.

It was amazing.

He had recruited some real monster players to back him. He played on many of the tunes—wowing everybody with the perfectly clean pitch on the highest of high notes. What was equally amazing, however, was how he walked out into the crowd, shaking hands, obviously having a ball. I shook hands with Maynard Ferguson.

When not playing or shaking hands, he focused the attention on this group of young standouts with whom he was touring. Educating the next group of great jazz musicians was always top on his list. He was always playing at high schools ( though not my own, unfortunately) raising money for the music programs and instruments that many schools no longer choose to pay for.

He was a great player who gave back to his field and to kids. He will be missed.