Rediscovering Just Jazz: Unearthing the Lost PBS TV Show
Introduction: A Journey into Jazz History
In the early 1970s, Dan Morgenstern, an NEA Jazz Master and esteemed jazz historian, produced a series of television programs titled "Just Jazz" for Chicago's PBS station, WTTW. These broadcasts featured some of the most iconic jazz musicians of the time. For decades, these recordings were believed lost, until my recent discovery at the Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS) at Rutgers University. This find not only enriches our understanding of jazz history but also preserves the legacy of these remarkable artists.
lib.uchicago.edu+1lib.uchicago.edu+1
Dan Morgenstern reflects on jazz television programming, including "Just Jazz," in this interview:
Memories of the jazz television program, "JUST JAZZ," produced by Robert Kaiser on WTTW.
The Rediscovery:
Unearthing a Musical Treasure
During my tenure as a Research Scholar at the IJS, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), I uncovered over 60 boxes of uncatalogued materials belonging to Dan Morgenstern. Among these were the long-lost "Just Jazz" recordings, capturing performances that had not been seen in over 50 years. This discovery offers invaluable insights into the jazz scene of the 1970s and showcases the brilliance of artists who defined the genre.
Featured Performances:
A Glimpse into Jazz Greatness
🎷 Gene Ammons – A Rare Televised Appearance
—This segment features the only known televised performance of tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons. His soulful expression and robust tone are on full display, offering a rare visual and auditory experience of his artistry.
Watch Gene Ammons' performance:
🎷 Dexter Gordon – His Final Televised Performance
—Experience the last televised appearance of the legendary Dexter Gordon. His commanding presence and innovative improvisations highlight why he remains a towering figure in jazz history.
Watch Dexter Gordon's performance:
🎷 Don Byas – A Historic U.S. Television Appearance
—This recording showcases the only U.S. television appearance of expatriate tenor saxophonist Don Byas. His technical mastery and emotive playing are evident throughout this rare footage.
A Rare Glimpse: Don Byas & The Iconic Snake Key
This historic photo offers a close look at Don Byas’s tenor saxophone, notably featuring the rare "snake key" mechanism—a custom design unique to Byas. The snake key, looping elegantly around the sax’s body, allowed for smoother fingering transitions, a reflection of Byas’s technical mastery and individuality. This visual detail not only showcases his distinct sound but also gives us an intimate view of the craftsmanship behind one of jazz’s most celebrated expatriate musicians.
Watch Don Byas' performance:
🎙️ Billie Eckstine – A Vocal Jazz Legend
—Billie Eckstine's rich baritone voice and charismatic stage presence are captured beautifully in this performance, reminding us of his significant contribution to jazz and popular music.
Watch Billie Eckstine's performance:
🎹 Erroll Garner – Master of the Keyboard
—Witness the virtuosity of Erroll Garner, whose innovative piano techniques and joyful performances left an indelible mark on jazz.
Watch Erroll Garner's performance:
🎺 Ray Nance – Multi-Instrumentalist Extraordinaire
—Ray Nance showcases his versatility, moving seamlessly between trumpet, violin, and vocals, embodying the spirit of jazz innovation.
Watch Ray Nance's performance:
🎺 Bobby Hackett & Vic Dickenson – A Dynamic Duo
—The collaboration between trumpeter Bobby Hackett and trombonist Vic Dickenson results in a performance filled with melodic interplay and swing.
Watch their performance:
🎹 Art Hodes & Wild Bill Davison – Chicago Jazz Pioneers
—Pianist Art Hodes and cornetist Wild Bill Davison bring the Chicago jazz style to life, delivering a performance rich in history and bluesy expression.
Watch their performance:
hanksjazz.com+1faculty.txst.edu+1
Reflections from the Jazz Community
The rediscovery of these performances has garnered significant attention from jazz scholars and enthusiasts alike:
“Absolutely fascinating and unique archive!... Hank Hehmsoth has been unearthing major finds from the Dan Morgenstern collection at IJS that he is collecting at Texas State University.”
“A manna from heaven moment... produced by Dan Morgenstern.”
“This is epochal. A major find that will help all of us jazz historians immensely.”
Dan Morgenstern himself expressed astonishment upon learning of these finds:
“Hank, this is truly amazing! I had no inkling of this and after catching my breath am of course delighted and flattered. Amazed at what you’ve uncovered... what you already have gathered is astonishing”
🎷 More Historic Jazz Discoveries & Research
🔍 Unveiling a Hidden Gem
—Experience the electrifying 1986 performance of the Joe Henderson Quintet at Antone's in Austin, TX, featuring Hank Hehmsoth on piano. This unforgettable event, long tucked away in the annals of jazz history, captures the dynamic interplay and virtuosity that defined an era.
📺 Watch the Joe Henderson Quintet Performance
📚 The Dan Morgenstern Collection
—Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), I curated and documented this invaluable archive of rare jazz performances and interviews, uncovering pivotal moments in jazz history.
🥁 Rhythms Reclaimed: The History of Jazz Drums
—Dive into an evolving History of Jazz Drums, a captivating exploration of the evolution and artistry of jazz percussion. Through rare rediscovered performances, this project brings to life the beats and brilliance of the legendary drummers who shaped jazz’s pulse.
🎶 Discover The History of Jazz Drums
🎬 Television and Film Collaborations
• 2024 PBS Documentary: Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham (Advisor, Consultant, Cast Member, and Artwork Contributor)
Jerry Goldsmith Film & TV Score Retrospective: Celebrate the genius of Jerry Goldsmith, whose groundbreaking scores shaped the sound of cinema & television—The Omen, Star Trek, Chinatown, and beyond.
🎥 Explore the Jerry Goldsmith Retrospective
📌 Interested in more jazz history discoveries?
Join my Music & Arts Community for exclusive updates,
behind-the-scenes stories, and rare archival gems