The UNF Jack Kleinsinger Highlights in Jazz Archive, by Danny Gottlieb, Professor of Jazz Studies
Dr. Jack Kleinsinger is a former assistant attorney general of the State of New York.
He had a passion for jazz, and in 1973 decided to try producing jazz concerts. One successful concert led to another, and Jack Kleinsinger’s Highlights in Jazz has become the longest running continuous jazz series in the history of New York. He has produced more than 316 jazz concerts to date, featuring the most popular and greatest names in jazz. Artists featured in his series include Doc Cheatham, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Roy Haynes, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Gary Burton, Maxine Sullivan, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Dave Brubeck, Roy Eldridge, Billy Taylor, Billy Higgins, Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli Jay Leonhart, Bobby Hackett, Cab Calloway, Art Farmer, Woody Herman, and hundreds more.
Jack has been a family friend for years, and I actually performed in concert 29, Tubby the Tuba in 1976. A few years ago, during a visit with Jack in his New York apartment, I noticed stacks of cassette tapes gathering dust. He explained that he had been allowed to record the concerts for archival purposes, and that he had just about every Highlights in Jazz concert recorded. Many of the more recent concerts were recorded to CD, but most of the concerts only existed on cassette. Some were quality board tapes, but others were primitive recordings made by Jack’s father holding a cassette deck in the front row!
Realizing that these were priceless, one-of-a-kind recordings, and that if anything should happen to them the recorded performances would be lost forever, I asked Jack if he would allow me to archive his material at UNF. He lovingly agreed, happy that someone who was a friend and who actually performed in his concerts would take such an interest.
With the help of Dean Shirley Hallblade, Courtenay McLeland, and the staff of the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library, we were able to secure a foundation grant and the UNF Digital Commons Jack Kleinsinger Library was born.
Jack has also been an avid collector of reviews, photos, and anything else associated with his concerts. In addition to the UNF music collection, he has also permitted us archive his more than 2000 pieces of printed memorabilia. Jack also has an uncanny memory for special events and personal anecdotes, and we have also been able to video tape Jack discussing special moments and memories associated with each concert.
It is the goal of this archival project to preserve and perpetuate the special musical moments that occurred within this collection of more than 500 hours of live music by honoring Jack’s original intent in making these recordings: that the music be archived, preserved and presented for educational purposes. We hope that every student, music researcher, and jazz lover will find an endless supply of creativity and a wealth of jazz knowledge in this collection, and that all will understand and celebrate the scope of the life’s work of one of jazz’s greatest producers and heroes: Jack Kleinsinger.
In 2016, Jack Kleinsinger donated his valuable archive of original tape recordings to the Carpenter Library, and UNF awarded Jack an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. We are so grateful for his lifetime of contribution to the arts, and his generous donation to this University.
We are using the video from his “Tribute The Charlie Parker” concert in all Evolution of Jazz classes to call student attention to Dr. Kleinsinger’s concert production and the archive that is housed at UNF.
In May of 2019, I appeared as a special guest at “Highlights” concert 339. In light of this archive, and Jack’s donation to our University, it was a honor that I will never forget. Thank you, Jack, for conceiving and designing each and every concert, and for providing us with this incredible music.
Special thanks to:
Brian Radock for his creative input and assistance with tape, CD, video production and document copy.
Joe Martin for his assistance with all financial and logistical planning for this grant.
Shirley Hallblade for her insight and assistance in all aspects of this project.
Courtenay, Faith, Ryan, Tracey, and all involved with UNF Digital Commons.
A message of thanks and appreciation to Local 802, American Federation of Musicians, by Professor Danny Gottlieb, Lifetime member of local 802, New York, and currently, local 257, Nashville.
This concert audio collection is made available through the generosity of The American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City, of which Dr. Kleinsinger was an avid supporter. All of the musicians performing on these concerts have been paid through Union Contract, and are protected and will reap the benefits provided by this contract and Union membership.
We encourage ALL musicians to join their local Musician's Union in order to receive all of the benefits that they have earned and so greatly deserve. These concerts are made available for educational and study purposes only. They are not available for copying, sampling or any use without written consent of local 802.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 052 - A Jazz Portrait of E.Y. Harburg
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, April 19th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include E.Y. Harburg, Jackie and Roy, Maxine Sullivan, Don Elliot, Peter Grant, Gene Bertoncini, John Bunch and Bill Takas. Special guest: George Shearing.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 053 - Bobby Hackett Memorial Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, May 17th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jimmy McPartland, Phil Bodner, Vic Dickenson, Norman Simmons, Major Holley, Richard Sudhalter, Ernie Hackett, and Jackie Williams. Special guests: George Masso, Larry Weiss and Helen Humes.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 054 - The Ultimate Jam Session
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, June 21st, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jay McShann, Doc Cheatham, Milt Hinton, Connie Kay, Herbie Mann, John Scofield and Earle Warren. Special guest: Dicky Wells.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 055 - Battle of the Big Horns
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, October 4th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Arnett Cobb, Buddy Tate, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Ray Bryant, George Duvivier, Panama Francis and Ray Barretto. Special guest: Wayne Wright.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 056 - Duke Ellington Alumni
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, November 8th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Harold Ashby, Norris Turney, Sonny Greer, Francis Williams, Britt Woodman, Aaron Bell, Al Lucas, Connie Kay, Joya Sherrill, and Buddy Terry. Special guest: Junior Mance.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 057 - Salute to Roy Eldridge
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, December 20th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Clark Terry, Panama Francis and his Savoy Sultans featuring Irv Stokes, Francis Williams, George Kelly, Howard Johnson, Norris Turney, Red Richards, John Smith and Bill Pemberton, making their American debut, Maxine Sullivan, Milit Hinton and Roy Eldridge. Special guests: Slam Stewart and Dick Katz.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 058 - 7th Anniversary Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, February 7th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Zoot Sims, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Jaki Byard and the Apollo Stompers. Special guest: John Pizzarelli.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 059 - Jazz Legends on Film Part III
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
On Thursday, March 6th, 1980 at NYU Loeb Student Center in association with NYU program board, Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz featured a collection titled “Jazz Legends on Film Part III” from film historian David Chertok. The film utilized film shorts, clips from longer films and excerpts from early television to make a presentation of rare jazz performances. Artists include Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald and more.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 060 - Living Legends
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, April 10th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jabbo Smith and his Nw Orleans Blues Seranaders (One ‘Mo Time Show), Wild Bill Davison, Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Jackie Williams, George Duvivier and Natalie Lamb. Special guest: Al Hall (bass) and Bruce Paine (trombone).
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 061 - Voices of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, May 15th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jackie Paris, Ann Marie Moss, Joe Carroll, Dolly Dawn, Mike Renzi (piano), Ratzo Harris (bass), Randy Jones (drums), Paul West (bass), and Al Harewood (drums). Special guest: Tommy Flannigan (piano). Helen Humes was unable to perform due to illness.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 062 - Jazz Guitar Galaxy
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, June 19th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Tal Farlow, Tiny Grimes and Jazz A Cordes –Mike Peters, Carmen Mastren and Charles Wizen. Special guests: George Duvivier, Warren Chiasson and Butch Miles.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 063 - Battle of the Bands
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, October 2nd, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bobby Rosengarden Orchestra with Warren Vache, Jimmy Maxwell, George Masso, Phil Bodner, Al Klink, Sid Cooper, Tom Fay and Jack Lesberg and the Widespread Depression Orchestra with Jordan Sandke, Tim Atherton, Tad Shull, Mike Hashim, Mike LeDonne, Bill Conway, Johnny Ellis, Jon Holtzman, and David Lillie. Tap dancers Bubba Gaines and Honi Coles also performed. Special guest: Sammy Price (boogie woogie piano).
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 064 - Salute to Roy Haynes
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, November 6th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Roy Haynes, Ray Barretto, Joe Albany, Red Rodney, Eddie Gomez, Mel Lewis, Clifford Jordan and Gary Bartz. Special guests: Sonny Fortune, Hannibal Peterson, Michael Urbaniak, Donald Harrison and Jean-Paul Bourrelly.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 065 - Return of the Jam Session
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, December 11th, 1980 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Richie Cole, Benny Bailey, Junior Mance, Major Holley, Walter Perkins and Bob Dorough. Special guest: Gerard Badini, Bill Takas, and Dottie Dodgion.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 066 & 067 - 8th Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, February 5th, 1981 at 8:00pm and 10:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Woody Herman and The Young Thundering Herd. Special guest: Walter Bishop, Jr.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 069 - Dynamic Duos
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, May 14th, 1981 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli and Slam Stewart, Doc Cheatham and Dick Wellstood, and Sheila Jordan and Harvie Swartz. Special guest: David Freidman.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 070 - The Basie Alumni
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, June 18th, 1981 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Buddy Tate, Frank Wess, Butch Miles, George Duvivier, Marty Napoleon, Al Grey, Glenn Zottola, and Johnny Hartman. Special guest: Tony Monte.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 071 - Fats, Duke and James P.
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, October 1st, 1981 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Wellstood, Milt Hinton, Bobby Rosengarden, Vic Dickenson, Kenny Davern, Eddie Barefield and Carrie Smith. Special guest: Doc Cheatham.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 072 - Soft Swinging Sounds
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, November 12th, 1981 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, Steve Novosel (bass), Mike Peters’ String Fever, and Maxine Sullivan. Special guest: Loren Schoenberg.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 073 - Saxophone Inspirations
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, January 7th, 1982 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Pepper Adams, Scott Hamilton, Sonny Fortune, Bob Wilber, Pug Horton, Tommy Flanagan, Connie Kay, and Phil Flanagan. Special guest: Chris Flory.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 074 & 075 - 9th Anniversary Concert -- Buddy Rich
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, January 7th, 1982 at 8:00pm and 10:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Buddy Rich and the Buddy Rich Band. Special guest: Ray Bryant.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 076 - Salute to George Duvivier
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, March 11th, 1982 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include George Duvivier, Slide Hampton, Chris Woods, Hank Jones, Rufus Reid, Butch Miles, Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. Special guests: Don Elliot, Milt Hinton and Marky Markowitz.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 077 - Sounds of Swing
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, April 15th, 1982 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Teddy Wilson, Milt Hinton, Oliver Jackson, Gene Bertoncini, Buddy Tate and Phil Bodner. Special guest: Joe Newman.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 078 - Voices of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, May 22nd, 1982 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Sylvia Syms, Johnny Hartman, Yolande Bavan, Barbara Carroll, Tony Monte, Lisle Atkinson, Joe Cocuzzo and Dizzy Reece. Special guest: Mike Abene.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 079 - McPartland Music
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, October 6th, 1982 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jimmy McPartland, Marian McPartland, Panama Francis, George Duvivier, Eddie Barefield, Herb Gardner, and Susannah McCorkle. Special guest: Joe Muranyi.