Jimmy Heath
Biography:
Jimmy Heath was born October 25, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born into a musical family becoming proficient on several instruments including the flute, alto saxophone and more. He is a member of the Heath brothers who became an American jazz group in the 1970's. He lives today as a legendary jazz musician and educator of his musical jazz knowledge and experiences.
Early career
In 1945 when he was only 18 he toured with Nat Towel's band forming his own big band the following year. During points of time his band featured jazz legends such as John Coltrane and Benny Golson. In 1947 Heath and his brother Percy who played bass, toured with Howard Mcghee and his band which appeared at the first International festival of Jazz in Paris the following year. In 1949-50 Heath toured with Dizzy Gillespie's group forming a group himself consisting of Dizzy Gillespie Alumni to perform in Philadelphia during 1951.
Writing
After a massive amount of performing locally and internationally in places like Montreal QC, Canada, and touring with many jazz legends in a short period of time. Jimmy Heath began to take action in writing his own original material as well as arranging music. He has written 125 original pieces. Many of his original pieces have become standard jazz tunes and/or have been arranged and performed by other jazz idols. This show cases his strong ability to write magnificent material that still holds relevance today due to his unique and well developed writing style.
Prime
In 1959 is when Heath started back playing often, forming his own groups as a leader and becoming an idol of jazz music being proficient is several different wind instruments including flute, tenor and soprano saxophone. He started off by co-leading a group with Kenny Dorham until about a month later he was used as a substitute for John Coltrane in the Miles Davis quintet. Starting in the early 1960's Heath became the leader of his founded group which included both of his brothers, Percy Heath and Albert Heath. Percy played upright bass and Albert played the drums. Although the group experienced different members at different times, Jimmy Heath remained faithful to this group until 1962 when they recorded their last album titled Triple Treat. Gemini is one of the tunes on the album.
Today's Impact
Jimmy Heath still maintains an extensive performance schedule however, he gives back by sharing his knowledge and musical experiences internationally by hosting workshops and clinics. Later in his years he has taught jazz studies at several universities in the United States. He actually had two former students come first and second in the Thelonious Monk competition in 1997. His two students names with Darren Barrett and Diego Urcola who both played trumpet. Heath continues to share his knowledge and love for music today
