Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
Saxophonist Boots Randolph, whose 1963 hit “Yakety Sax” sprouted a successful session career, died Tuesday at 80 years of age. He was taken off a respirator after a June 25 cerebral hemorrage had put him in a coma.
Randolph played on many hits as a session man, including Elvis Presley’s “Return To Sender,” Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” But his biggest solo effort was “Yakety Sax,” a tune that later became the theme song for the TV’s “Benny Hill Show.”
Following decades of session and club dates in Nashville, Tenn., and dozens of tours, Randolph released an album of jazz standards just last month.
Homer Louis Randolph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dee Randolph; a son, Randy Randolph; and daughter, Linda O’Neal, all of Nashville; and four grandchildren.
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
