Died On This Date (January 20, 2012) John Levy / Pioneering African-American Manager
themusicsover John Levy
April 11, 1912 – January 20, 2012
John Levy was a talented bassist who went on to become jazz and pop music’s first African-American artist manager of any significance. Born in New Orleans, Levy ultimately landed in New York City, where in 1949, he was hired to play in the George Shearing Quartet. During those early years, Levy also played with Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, and Errol Garner, to name a few. In 1951, he moved over to artist management – he had already acted as Shearing’s road manager while playing in his band. His client roster included such jazz luminaries as Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, and Ramsey Lewis. In 2006, Levy was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. John Levy was 99 when he passed away in his sleep on January 20, 2012.
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