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John Levy (Finding Aid)
1912 -
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: red beans and rice
Favorite Time of Year: Summer
Interview Length: 138 minutes
Interview Date(s): October 7, 2004
Interview Location(s): Altadena, California
Abstract
Music manager John Levy describes his experiences growing up in New Orleans and Chicago. Levy recalls vivid memories of Mardi Gras and other celebrations in New Orleans, and describes his neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Levy also details the backgrounds of his mother and father. Music manager John Levy describes his youth and school experiences in Chicago, Illinois. He tells of the 1919 race riot, the neighborhood gangs that roamed the South Side, describes his elementary and high school environments, and shares memories of his early musical endeavors. Music manager John Levy describes his early years in the music business, when he started out as a bass player for artists such as Stuff Smith, Erroll Garner, Don Byas, Ben Webster, and Lucky Thompson. Levy recalls one night in New York when he filled in as bass player in George Shearing's band, which was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and business relationship. Levy explains why he chose to stop playing bass and become Shearing's full-time manager. Levy also names many of the artists he subsequently worked with, including Ramsey Lewis, Ahmad Jamal, Nancy Wilson, and Dakota Staton. Music manager John Levy outlines problems and difficulties that arise in the course of the artist-manager relationship, most of which relate to money. Levy describes his own ethical stance about managerial compensation, and explains why many artists do not trust managers. Levy describes in depth his relationships with Nancy Wilson and Arsenio Hall, which have become true friendships. Music manager John Levy continues to discuss relationships he's formed as an artist manager, mentioning Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, and international musicians like Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya. Levy then reflects on his life and career, expressing his hopes for the black community, and considering his own legacy.
43 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)
- Slating of John Levy interview
- John Levy's favorites
- John Levy talks about his mother's background
- John Levy talks about his father's background
- John Levy discusses differences between his mother and father's upbringings
- John Levy remembers his mother's professional life
- John Levy recalls childhood memories
- John Levy shares childhood experiences in New Orleans, Louisiana
- John Levy describes attending Mardi Gras
- John Levy remembers living in Chicago as a child
- John Levy remembers peddlers in Chicago
- John Levy recalls Chicago's 1919 race riot
- John Levy talks about his childhood lifestyle
- John Levy discusses gang activity during grade school
- John Levy tells of his early musical endeavors
- John Levy shares memories of grade school teachers
- John Levy talks about his relationship with religion
- John Levy explains his relocation from Chicago to New Orleans
- John Levy remembers his high school years
- John Levy discusses life during the Great Depression
- John Levy discusses Chicago gangsters during the 1930s
- John Levy recalls jobs he held after high school
- John Levy recalls playing with Stuff Smith and other musicians
- John Levy remembers managing George Shearing
- John Levy names other talent he managed
- John Levy talks about differences in pay between the music business and show business
- John Levy explains struggles of singer Dakota Staton, part I
- John Levy explains struggles of singer Dakota Staton, part 2
- John Levy shares his thoughts on the working relationship between talent and manager
- John Levy explains his ethical code in representing talent
- John Levy states reasons for not getting involved in the hip-hop music industry
- John Levy talks about Nancy Wilson's public image
- John Levy discusses common fears that black entertainers have regarding management
- John Levy talks about his relationship with Arsenio Hall
- John Levy describes Nancy Wilson's successes
- John Levy talks about Nancy Wilson's commitment to family life
- John Levy explains his participation in the 'Soul to Soul' concert
- John Levy discusses his photography hobby
- John Levy discusses Letta Mbulu's career
- John Levy shares his hopes for the African American community
- John Levy talks about his family life and marriages
- John Levy looks back on his image in the music business
- John Levy considers his legacy