Posted by Eric MacKnight (80.57.131.7) on March 19, 2004 at 18:23:33:
Dear Jon,
When I was in high school, my older brother was a jazz buff, and among his collection was the Lambert-Hendricks-Bavan album with "Watermelon Man" on it. The album quickly became one of my favorites, and over the years that followed I picked up other LHR albums when I could afford it.
In 1986, I boarded a flight from NY to Brussels, and... there you were, poking your head out from one of the galleys, searching for your seat, wearing a canary-yellow cap and looking, as in so many of your photos, as if you were about to burst out laughing. You were with your group of the time, on your way to a festival in Cap d'Antibes, as I recall. We chatted a bit, which was a great thrill for me, although once we started talking I confess that I felt a bit foolish and tongue-tied.
This afternoon I was listening to some old LHR tunes while marking papers (I'm a teacher), and then when I got home, on a whim, I did a google search and found this site. So...
1. I'm so happy to know that you are still working! Your music has been a wonder and a delight to me for so long; I'm sure I speak for many, many others when I say "thank you", and then feel how inadequate those thanks are.
2. I have a question you might be able to answer. Years ago a friend of mine, after hearing some of my LHR songs, introduced me to Eddie Jefferson's music. Question: What was Eddie Jefferson's influence, if any, on your music? Was he singing before you, or did you begin your careers about the same time? Did you know him or work with him?
3. Finally, I second that emotion for an autobiography. I'll pre-order my copy right now!
Warmest best wishes, Jon. Your voice, wit, and intelligence are world treasures!
Sincerely,
Eric MacKnight