William “Bill” Lacy (1927-2015) was an Army musician, jazz club owner and the leader of the Bill Lacy Quartet. He also played trumpet and flugelhorn in a number of local ensembles, such as the Philadelphia Clef Club orchestra. According to his widow, Elizabeth, Bill grew up in a working class family who lived in  a […]

Anthony “Tony” Emedio DeNicola (September 2, 1927 – September 2, 2006) was a jazz drummer and educator best known for his work with Harry James, Clark Terry and Kenny Davern.  The Lawrenceville native was also a professor at The College of New Jersey and the founder of College’s Jazz Ensemble. According to one obituary, DeNicola’s […]

James Harrell McGriff (April 3, 1936-May 24-2008) actually grew up and studied in Philadelphia, but Trenton is where he made a name for himself and earned the attention that led to his first record deal. Along fellow Philadelphians Jimmy Smith and Richard “Groove” Holmes, he is considered one of the kings of the jazz organ, […]

From his Wikipedia page: Gigi Gryce (born George General Grice Jr.; November 28, 1925 – March 14, 1983) was an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator. While his performing career was relatively short, much of his work as a player, composer, and arranger was quite influential and well-recognized during his time. However, […]

Donald Evans was a playwright and key contributor to the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s. He was also a longtime professor and administrator at The College of New Jersey, teaching courses in English and African American Studies. One of his most popular offerings was a course on the History of Jazz, cross-listed between African […]

Michael Ray is a trumpeter known for his work with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool and the Gang, as well as for leadership of his own ensemble, Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe. In addition to his work as a performer, he worked with his friend and Kool and the Gang bandmate Clifford Adams […]

Roy Richardson is a vocalist, saxophonist and flautist whose work ranges from jazz to R&B, Gospel and musical theater. From the artist’s bio: “Roy started playing flute at the age of 9. He performed in his first talent show when he was 14 and at that point was addicted to music.   The next year […]

Interactive Timeline by Joanna DiCicco. Used with permission Richie Cole was and still is an influential musician in Trenton. Cole was born and raised in Trenton, influenced by his father who owned a jazz club in the area. He played the saxophone for several Big Bands and created his own unique Orchestra, the Alto Madness Orchestra, […]

From the Allmusic.com biography by Ed Hogan It may come as a surprise to some that fast-as-quicksilver rhythm guitarist Kim Miller of ’70s Philly soul band Instant Funk likes smooth jazz groups like the Rippingtons, but it’s true. Then again, listen to Miller‘s songs, which are sprinkled throughout the recordings he did with Instant Funk […]