Jazz Saxophonist and Teacher Edward “Kid” Jordan Dies at 87 | WGN Radio 720

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jazz saxophonist and music teacher Edward “Kid” Jordan died Friday in his sleep surrounded by his family in his New Orleans home, said family spokesman Vincent Sylvain. I was.

he was 87 years old.

During his 50-year career, Jordan showcased his musical talents throughout New Orleans while collaborating with music legends such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.

Born in Crowley in 1935, Jordan moved to New Orleans at the age of 20 and formed The Improvisation Arts Quintet in 1975. Each artist becomes an ear, an eye and, above all, a heart for the creative spiritual soul. “

He was a professor of music at Southern University in New Orleans and later chaired the university’s jazz studies program.

During his 34 years at SUNO, “he shared his improvisational vision and encouraged his students to find their authentic creative voices,” said Sylvain. “Mr. Jordan’s legacy is cemented by his assertion that the music of his students contains one key element of his: originality. And he practices what he preaches.” To do.”

Jordan also served as an instructor at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation School of Music for 25 years and served as artistic director of the Louis Armstrong Satchmo Jazz Camp. He retired in 2006.

“Kidd has dedicated his life to teaching young people of all ages. said Jackie Harris, executive director of the foundation.

“His spirit and determination were a shining example of giving musicians the confidence to express themselves on ‘No Compromise,'” said Harris, referring to Jordan’s first record, ‘No Compromise.’

Notable former students include Winton and Branford Marsalis, John Baptiste, Donald Harrison Jr., Tony DaGradi, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, and “Big” Sam Williams.

Jordan also taught seven children: Edward Jr., Kent, Christie, Paul, Stephanie, Rachel, and Marlon. Four of them became professional musicians. Kent on the flute, Stephanie the singer, Rachel the classical his violinist and Marlon the trumpet.

In 1985, the French Ministry of Culture awarded him the prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, or Chevalier, which is given to those who have produced outstanding works in the fields of art and literature. Jordan also received his Lifetime Achievement Award at Vision Festival XIII in New York in 2008 and was named a “Jazz Hero” by the Association of Jazz Journalists in 2013.

In addition to his children, Jordan is survived by his wife, Edwidge Chatters Jordan.

Funeral arrangements are pending.