Keter Betts
There was much to admire about William Thomas “Keter” Betts. As a bassist, he had flawless technique, a distinctive tone, and the ability to serve both as a steady timekeeper and a compelling soloist. In addition to his performing accomplishments – most notably his 24 years with Ella Fitzgerald, Keter spent many later years as […]
Wil Harris
A native of Washington, D.C.. Today he is a home town legend. As a child Wil was infatuated with music and musical instruments. His father bought him his first guitar when he was 11 years old. Besides being self taught, his Uncle Frank Wess paid for his first guitar lessons. At the age of 13 […]
Tyrone Brunson
Tyrone Brunson, born Calvin Tyrone Brunson on March 22, 1956 in Washington, DC was an American male singer/musician, who played the bass guitar. One of his most successful singles was an electro instrumental titled “The Smurf”, which reached #14 on the R&B charts in 1983 and led to further dance records about The Smurfs. Released […]
John Cephas
The singer and guitarist John Cephas, who has died aged 78, emerged on the blues scene in the mid-1970s. At that time many African-American musicians of his generation were uninterested in this music, particularly the old-fashioned acoustic blues, to which he was committed. His 32-year partnership with the younger harmonica player Phil Wiggins harked back […]
Meshell Ndegeocello
Ndegeocello was born Michelle Lynn Johnson in Berlin, Germany, to army Sergeant Major and saxophonist father Jacques Johnson and health care worker mother Helen. She was raised in Washington, D.C. where she attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Oxon Hill High School. In early press releases from Maverick Records her birth year was […]
Jerry Gordon
Jerry Gordon, a jazz guitarist who played before thousands at Washington and Baltimore area nightclubs, bars, churches and music festivals in a career spanning more than 30 years, died Aug. 26 at his home in Columbia. He was 58. He died of heart ailments, said his sister, Angela Gordon. Mr. Gordon’s guitar playing was known […]
Terry Scott
Terry Scott is a singer, songwriter, musician from Washington D.C. He began playing the piano at an early age. Watching his dad’s group rehearse at their home, one day he walked over to the piano and played the song he just heard. He was two years old. Soon after the prodigy played his first church […]
Mamadi Nyasuma
Mamadi Nyasuma from Washington DC, was a genius of a man who blessed us as a friend, activist, musician, percussionist, writer, lecturer, teacher, producer, poet, artist, and father. Land Of The Drum Mamadi Nyasuma, founder of 2000 BLACK – The World Percussion Ensemble made his transition on Monday, January 22nd 2007. How Many Times
Carter Jefferson
Carter Jefferson an American jazz tenor saxophonist was born in Washington DC. Jefferson played alto saxophone with the El Corols, a local band early in his career, and then went to play in the backing bands for The Temptations, The Supremes, and Little Richard in the 1960s. In 1971, he entered New York University, and […]
Steven Young
Born in D.C. Started playing the guitar at 3 under the guidance of Roger Dent. Played by ear for 10 yrs until note reading was introduced to me by the great guitarist Bill Harris. I started teaching for Bill Harris at 19. I was one of the 1st guitar teachers along with Joe Harris, Bill […]
