By Jim G (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 12:29 pm: |
First, my apologies for not alerting the Forum to this event before it happpened.
It's been kinda hectic lately, haven't had much time to devote to Detroit music.
We went on the spur of the moment.
That said, the event was sold out and we were able to get into the reception/concert only, not the dinner & jam session.
Representatives from numerous city, state and national agencies spoke about Teddy's many contributions to Detroit music, which include Motown, jazz, and mentoring hundreds of our children through his unique resource, The New Breed BeBop Society Orchestra, founded in 1983.
Kim Weston told of Teddy's stint as her first music director, what a fine job he did and how much she appreciated his work.
The outpouring of love from his family, friends and music devotees was touching.
The only person missing was his late wife, the charming and stylish Martha. But we felt her spirit.
Teddy was also Aretha Franklin's music director, was a childhood friend of Jackie Wilson & Berry Gordy and toiled for Motown during the mid/late 60's as 'on the road' music director/arranger for the Supremes, Temps, and many other Motown acts.
In addition, he's a fine jazz pianist/arranger/bandleader.
Teddy, best known as a soprano saxophonist/pianist, also played a LOT of tenor sax in the 1950s but prefers to now concentrate on the soprano.
He led one of the best small groups in Detroit jazz since the 70s at BoMac's Lounge in 1992-93.
He plays at Baker's every Wednesday with his trio (Mayberry/Davidson) and once a month with his big band.
As Famous Coachman used to say, "Let the good things I've done speak for me." Well, Teddy's good works speak volumes.