From the Trentonian obituary: TRENTON – Local jazz great, Johnnie Coles, 89, departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, Mar. 24, 2011, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton. Johnnie was a native Trentonian born to the late John W. Sr. and Virginia Lacy Coles. He was also preceded in death […]

According to an article about Trentonians during World War II, Florence Perilli was a popular soprano who performed in concerts at Cadwalader Park. During the war, she toured with the USO, performing alongside such well-known artists as Stubby Kaye and Louis Prima. She later married and moved to Colorado.

Peter Lauffer is a pianist and educator who made his debut with the Trenton Symphony in 1973, according to his website. He regularly performs with Richie Cole. He also has an extensive resume as a music educator at Westminister Choir College, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Community College,  and several secondary institutions in […]

Wenonah Brooks is a jazz singer in the tradition of a Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald – the kind of singer for whom melody is central. She credits her approach to music to her grandfather, a preacher who had been a singer as young man. The Hopewell, New Jersey native began her singing career as […]

Wilford “Bill” Holcombe (1924-2010) was a flutist, saxophonist, composer arranger known for his work with such prominent musicians as Tommy Dorsey and Peter Nero, as well as his film scores.  He also founded Musicians Publications. A graduate of Trenton High school and Julliard, he remained in the area throughout his life.  He began playing with […]

“Old Blue Eyes” was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, but he performed in Trenton on several occasions and was a familiar face at his favorite restaurants in the Chambersburg section of the city. Trenton was also where he fulfilled a less pleasant obligation: testifying before the New Jersey State Investigative Commission on his alleged ties […]

Lugene “Rihki: Kennebrew is a prolific musician and multimedia educator from Trenton, New Jersey. BossBrew Facebook page Linkedin profile YouTube channel  

Lisa Bouchelle is a popular performer, songwriter and host of the Comcast Network show Rock Star Kitchen. According to Trenton music history expert Tom Krawiec‘s Facebook page, she is a native of Trenton New Jersey. She frequently performs and collaborates with  other popular New Jersey performers, including Ernie White, John Popper, and Jon Bon Jovi. […]

Steve Williams is the lead singer of the reunited Instant Funk. A graduate of Trenton High School, Williams is veteran of the Trenton music scene who has performed with Grace Little and Patti Labelle, among other notables. He describes himself as a protege of Trenton High School teacher and musician Ted Plunkett. The accompanying March […]

Reginald Dash (1958-2012) was a percussionist and actor who toured with many local and nationally-known artists. the following biography is from his online obituary:  Reginald Lamont Dash TRENTON – Reginald Lamont Dash (Harrison), 54, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at the University of Princeton Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Trenton, […]