The organization of The Jazz Knights began informally approximately thirty years ago through the efforts of a small group of African American men. Meeting in their homes this group of friends listened to their favorite Jazz albums, played cards and shared experiences. These gatherings continued until June 1976, when the group organized formally as a club.
Prior to the club's formation, the possibility of having live "jam sessions" at the meetings was being explored. Enter
Joe Knight, a Jazz Musician who was then leading the Joe Knight Trio. Joe offered to play for the group, provide introductions to other Jazz musicians, and arranged for the first "jam Session" which was held in September 1976. The selection of the name
Jazz Knights was in honor of Joe Knight's guidance and contributions.
"Jam Sessions" have since become a tradition of the club and are held five times a year at the conclusion of club meetings. At the "Jams", the musicians share in the club's camaraderie and explore their music in front of a small but knowledgeable, appreciative and enthusiastic audience. The love of Jazz is the common bond.
Members of The Jazz Knights represent a diversity of business, professional, technical and educational backgrounds with interest in music generally and Jazz in particular. These attributes enrich the individual and collective experiences of all. Many members have extensive collection of Jazz and Latin recordings representing some of the finest artist and musical interpretations to appear on the scene over many decades. These collections include private recordings of each Jazz Knights' "jam sessions."
Through the years The Jazz Knights has evolved into a non-profit organization that supports live Jazz in a variety of ways. These efforts include the sponsorship of Jazz concerts aimed at introducing children to Jazz and a scholarship fund for young and aspiring Jazz artists to continue their studies.
We plan to expand our cultural and charitable efforts by increasing our Scholarship Fund and creating an endowment to perpetuate the scholarship for aspiring young Jazz musicians. The Jazz Knights strongly believes and advocates Jazz as a cultural expression that is the only original form of music that is indigenous to America. It is that belief that gave birth to our motto,
"SUPPORT LIVE JAZZ."
