It is sort of fitting that George Wein is the first interview on this site. As musician, club owner and finally as a festival promoter he has done so much to shape the culture of jazz today. At 89 he is still actively involved in the Newport Jazz Festival hearing and approving all the acts.
We talked about the beginnings of the Festival in 1954 and the troubles that befell it in along the way. We also talked about his current role in the organization and how jazz and it’s culture are evolving.
This interview was recorded on July 7th 2014 and broadcast July 8th on WRIU FM in Kingston RI.
The Newport Jazz Festival web site: http://www.newportjazzfest.org Continue reading “The First Interview – George Wein founder of the Newport Jazz Festival”
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