Remembering Jimmy Heath: Triple Threat

Photo by EAVONE Jazzman on Unsplash

Jimmy Heath, also known as “Little Bird,” was a legendary jazz saxophonist who appeared with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at Playhouse Square in April 2012. Short in stature but long on talent, he was known as a “triple threat” for being a jazz composer, arranger, and musician.

Heath was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1926. Both of his parents had musical backgrounds. His father played clarinet in a marching band and his mother sang in the church choir. Jimmy’s older brother studied violin and later became a founding member and double bass player for the Modern Jazz Quartet. His younger brother Albert (Tootie) played drums. Jimmy Heath began playing alto saxophone at age fifteen. He and Percy attended high school in Wilmington, North Carolina, where Jimmy played saxophone in the marching band. Heath founded his first big band, the Jimmy Heath Orchestra, in 1946. After the band broke up in 1948, Jimmy and John Coltrane joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band. Jimmy also played with Gil Fuller’s Orchestra. Around that time, he switched to tenor sax. He was influenced by Charlie Parker and Johnny Hodges. Unfortunately, Jimmy became addicted to heroin, which ultimately led to his dismissal from Gillespie’s orchestra. He was later convicted of selling heroin and sent to Lexington, Kentucky, where he underwent withdrawal. After his release, he was convicted
again in 1955 for dealing drugs and sentenced to six years in prison. While incarcerated, he composed a number of songs and conducted the prison orchestra. He also learned to play the flute.

Heath was released from prison early and met his future wife Mona Brown shortly afterward. He recorded his first album for Riverside Records in 1959. He briefly toured with Miles Davis, but the terms of his probation made it difficult for him to travel with the band. Riverside Records went out of business in 1964, leaving Jimmy without a record contract until the early 1970s. He began teaching at Jazzmobile, a free music training program in Harlem, where he was commissioned to write several major compositions.

In 1975, Jimmy, Percy, and Albert Heath formed the Heath Brothers, along with Stanley Cowell on piano. Later, Jimmy’s older son James Mtume joined the group as a percussionist. Percy Heath died in 2005, but Jimmy and Albert continued to perform and record as the Heath Brothers with other musicians.

Jimmy Heath joined the music faculty of Queens College at the City University of New York, where he taught for over 20 years.

Jimmy Heath wrote over 100 compositions and appeared on 125 recordings during his career, which spanned over 7 decades. He was nominated for a Grammy Award three times and received the NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2003. One of his noteworthy compositions, “Gemini”, was written for his daughter Rosyln and appears on his 1962 album, “Triple Threat. “ The instrumental has a ¾ time signature and features a haunting flute solo as the piece begins. “Gemini” became a hit for the Cannonball Adderley Sextet, whose live version was released in 1962. Other notable songs include ”Gingerbread Boy” and “C.T.A.”

In January 2020, the scrolling marquee at Playhouse Square announced the sad news that Jimmy Heath had died at age 93. I recalled how thrilled I was when he signed his CD “Turn Up the Heath” for me after the show in 2012.

Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery was one of Jimmy Heath’s former students at the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory. He appears on the recent Night Is Alive releases, “Old New Borrowed and Blue” and “My Ship.”

Author: Patricia Martin for Night is Alive

Songs for Sweetest Day!

Even though you may think that Sweetest Day—celebrated on October 15th—is just a holiday invented by greeting card companies, you can surely agree that it’s nice to take time out of your day to share a small gift or kind gesture, right? 

Really, we shouldn’t need a designated day to do something kind, but it certainly doesn’t hurt! So, this Sweetest Day, why not do something thoughtful for another? A kind thought can really brighten someone’s day, as well as your own! 

Whether it be paying it forward in line at Starbucks, bringing cupcakes to work or giving your significant other a foot massage, there are many ways to be sweet on this lovely October day. 

And, of course, since music is our forte at Night Is Alive, we have some sweet & sparkly songs to pair with some acts of kindness!

Nancy Sinatra – Sugar Town

This 1967 tune is one of my favorites because it always seems to create the best, most relaxed, and upbeat atmosphere. It’s especially nice to listen to when you’re driving, and the sun is shining, and you have a big bouquet of flowers in the seat next to you. Maybe you’re bringing flowers to your mom, aunt, or good friend to show them how much you care! 

John Coltrane & Thelonious Monk – Sweet and Lovely

From the start, you can hear the tenderheartedness in this 2005 song. The piano notes float peacefully through your mind like you’re on a cloud. The sweet melody might just inspire you to write a thoughtful letter to an estranged loved one, or a loved one that lives far away. It’s never too late to rekindle an overlooked relationship. 

James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

Everyone knows this 1975 classic! Just like everyone knows how good it feels to be loved. But don’t forget how sweet it can also be to express love to another. Make your sweetheart want to belt out these lyrics by surprising them with a crisp box of chocolates, or a pint of their favorite ice cream! 

The Beatles – Ain’t She Sweet

Who doesn’t love the Beatles? Add a dose of sugar to your day by blasting this 1964 hit while you and your family clean up after dinner. Dust off those vocal pipes, bust out those air guitar skills and have a goofy ole time singing and dancing along!  

John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli & Wayne Escoffery – Please Don’t Go

Maybe you were reluctant to celebrate Sweetest Day at first, but I bet by the end of the day, and after listening to all these sweet tunes, you are now reluctant for the day to end! Let this fun 2022 jazz tune play while you watch the sun set over the fall foliage and allow the gratitude to wash over you. 
If you’re looking for some more sweet jazz tunes, check out our albums My Ship and Old New Borrowed & Blue, both of which are available in our store and on all major music platforms!