Hits & Myths - John Hammond

As a 10 year-old, Vanderbilt heir JOHN HAMMOND would sneak downstairs in his parents’ New York townhouse to listen to Bessie Smith records with the domestic staff. As a teen schoolboy he was allowed trips into New York – but he wandered off to the Jazz Clubs around 52nd Street, to form a love of the jazz environment that he pursued for the rest of his life. Following the example of his mother’s charity work, he went on to run a free jazz radio hour, became a director of NAACP, and encouraged integration in bands and audiences. Familiar for his crew cut, and always seen with a bundle of newspapers under his arm, he came to know everyone everywhere in the New York Jazz scene. He arranged the first recording opportunity for Billie Holiday, the last recording session for Bessie Smith and helped create the first Jazz at The Philharmonic concerts. In between he started the careers of many stars, from Bob Dylan to Aretha Franklin. At his funeral, the toast was “Thanks John”. This event celebrates his massive contributions to music and tolerance.