Toledo jazz legend celebrates 91st birthday - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Toledo jazz legend celebrates 91st birthday

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13abc.com Daryl Kirkland-Morgan - email

A Toledo jazz legend turned 91 this week, and he spent Wednesday night celebrating with friends and colleagues.   Jon Hendricks is considered the "Father of Vocalese", which is the art of setting lyrics to recorded jazz instrumental songs.
    

The Ohio native has won multiple awards, and toured in Europe and Africa during the late 60s and early 70s.   With over five decades of music under his belt, Hendricks still doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

"I think music is just a part of us," says Hendricks.  "We are a musical instrument. I think we're made of music."

UT student Sam Woldenberg studied under Hendricks, and says it was an honor to learn under a local legend.  "You might have a professor who can read stories out of a textbook," comments Woldenberg.  "With Jon, he can tell you the stories from personal experiences, which is really a unique thing."

Even at 91, Hendricks still teaches jazz vocal classes at the University of Toledo twice a week.  To get more information on the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Society which sponsored Wednesday's celebration, visit www.arttatumsociety.com .

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