Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Bassist Percy Heath, saxophonist Jimmy Heath and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath—collectively known as the Heath Brothers—are the subject of a new documentary DVD, Brotherly Jazz . Producer Danny Scher and director Jesse Block compiled concert footage of the brothers along with interviews, archival material and footage of their work with such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.
“It’s a great honor to have something documented on the family, especially now that Percy is gone,” Jimmy Heath said. “Coming from the same source is a unique happening. Whenever wer performed, we always showed the audience that we were a family. All of us played with everybody over the years, but when we played together, it was a happy feeling.”
Other musicians interviewed in the film include Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride and Marian McPartland. The DVD also includes a July 2004 concert, which was one of the last times that the Heath brothers shared a concert stage before Percy Heath’s death in April 2005.
For more information go to: brotherlyjazz.com
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
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