Musicman - Stones of Remembrance by bmac62
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Every little stone on top of the big stone with the plaque represents a friend who has stopped by to pay respects to "The Fiddler".
I didn't know Percy Heath but I feel like I do now. I just happened on this memorial while out taking pictures at the beach.
Take a moment to read the plaque his wife has had placed on the beach at Montauk for the man she loved. Zoom for an easy read...
What a full life. Tuskegee Airman (WWII fighter pilot), Jazzman (Modern Jazz Quartet bassist), Fisherman (fished his whole life), Artist and Friend.
If you have a love for music, particularly jazz, take a quick look at this link. http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=7542
Glad to have met this man, albeit a few years after his passing.
Bill

Comments (14)
seems like I have heard his name and maybe heard his music.thanks for the link
His wife did him proud with that plaque.
Wonderful memorial to a wonderful gentleman and member of one of the best darned group of pilots in WWII. I wonder about the stones atop the memorial. Are they placed there by those who remember him? Skipper62
A wonderful tribute. One can say no more! Fine shot, my friend, Rob.
A fine memorial to a man that seems to have led an outstanding life. It's a pity we don't have more memorials like this over here. Thanks for posting this Bill and reminding us that life is not all about taking. Great link too :)
He certainly led a full life .Excellent capture Bill Mick
Wonderful and very creative work
Great picture!
Fabulous shot of history, Bill, beautifully presented and preserved.
All the above, Bill! Although I never heard of him, definitely a multitalented man.
One of three brothers each Heath followed his own path in his own time. Eldest Percy first studied violin, turning to bass and cello after serving in World War Two as one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Influenced by Jimmy Blanton, Oscar Pettiford and Ray Brown, his emergence in the late 40s coincided with the development of bop, and by 1950 he was in New York playing with Davis, Monk, Gillespie and more. His big break came when he replaced Ray Brown in the Modern Jazz Quartet, holding the bass chair throughout the remainder of the MJQ’s lifespan. Middle brother Jimmy (3 years younger than Percy) was the first to move into jazz professionally, playing gigs while in high school and performing at the first International Jazz Festival in Paris in 1948 with Coleman Hawkins and Errol Garner. One of his first big bands included John Coltrane and Benny Golson. Today, Jimmy is perhaps as well known for his 100+ compositions and dedicated teaching as for his playing and bandleading. Tootie, nine years younger than Jimmy, made his first recording as drummer for John Coltrane in 1957, and went on to work with J.J. Johnson, Cedar Walton and Bobby Timmons before working in Europe with Dexter Gordon and Kenny Drew. He eventually settled in Los Angeles and recorded extensively for Riverside. Both Percy (2002) and Jimmy (2003) have received the NEA Jazz Masters Award. I know of this guy, I'm into jazz.Heard him play (recorded not live saddly) got an album of the MJQ somewhere. Though a member of the Tuskegee Airman, Percy was never sorry that he didn't see combat. Great tribute to a great man by a great photographer, thanks Bill. (the above is not off the top of my head.Had to look it up to refresh the old grey cells.)
NICE!! and a great photo!!! [^___^] Cheers, Roger
Wonderful shot of History.
Wonderful capture, Excellent well done..