Opening reception: AHA! Thurs Feb 13, 6pm.
February 5 - July 26
Oliver Shaw was believed to be America’s first musical composer. He was born in Newport in 1779 (long before the Civil War). Following a childhood accident, and a bout with Yellow Fever, he became totally blind. Yet, he studied with the noted organist John Berhonhead and later with veteran society pianist Gottilieb Grauper. Oliver Shaw […]
David Wallis Reeves (1838-1900) was a professional cornettist, composer and bandleader. He was a leading horn player in the Dodworth Band in New York City and the American Brass Band in Providence. David composed more than 100 works, and many had what today would be considered upbeat jazz passages. He developed a march-style and counter […]
Lilyan (“Lill”) Lipson was one of the last silent movie pianists in Rhode Island. Lill was one of eight children and grew up on the East Side of Providence. She and her two sisters learned piano on the old beaten upright spinet that took up space in the family second floor. Her skills elevated her […]
Robert (Bobby) Leo Hackett became one of the world’s finest cornet players.Born in Providence in 1915, he created a soft, easy-listening and romantic sound that became unequaled, even today. Early in his long career, he joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra and was hired by Benny Goodman to perform in his famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert.Later, […]
Artie Cabral has performed with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and even with the late Hollywood film star Mickey Rooney. Growing up his father would take young Artie to hear many of the great Rhode Island big bands. Artie began playing the drums. He became one of New England’s finest available drummer, performing at weddings, Bar-Mitzahs, […]
In 1914 another of Woonsocket’s famous musical greats was born. Samuel (Sammy) Sherman began his musical career on the violin. He grew up and attended Providence College. Along the way, he switched to jazz trombone, and added his voice to his notable performances. During World War II he served in the 16th Medical Regiment in North […]
RI’s own Irving Lipson was known for his reed instrument performances throughout New England. He was born on PVD’s East Side in 1902. Irving played mostly tenor saxophone in his early years in several of Providence’s big bands. They performed regularly in Roger Williams Park, and Irving could often be seen soloing at the park’s […]
Rhode Island’s long list of jazz musicians began with George M. Cohan. George was born in Providence during 1878. He was to grow up to become a leader in Broadway musicals. His credits include, being a giant entertainer, actor, composer, lyricist, jazz singer, dancer, producer and playwright. George was considered among the most important music […]
Rhode Island’s Harry Allen is considered one of America’s finest tenor saxophone players. Although he was born in Washington D.C., he grew up in Rhode Island, where he became an All-State Baseball player. His father, Maurice, was a big band drummer who taught his son the American Songbook and the secrets of the entertainment world. […]
Bobby Hackett, a one-of-a-kind original soft-performing trumpet-player, was born in Providence in 1915. His slow and romantic high-quality tone has never been properly imitated, though many performers have tried. He became popular in the last part of the previous century after being recorded with seven labels, including his most important recordings with the Capital Studios. Over the […]
