A 1957 NAHS graduate, Jamey Aebersold created the Jazz Play-A-Long series to help musicians learn improvisation. What started as a simple idea has reached players in nearly every country.
His influence in jazz education is unmatched, but what matters most to him is helping others. From free concerts to decades of workshops, Jamey has spent his life sharing his love of music and encouraging others to do the same.
Article originally appeared in the August 2023 Legacy Ledger (Issue 36).
Kelly Watkins (FCHS ’84), Guest Contributor
Jamey Aebersold
(NAHS, 1957)
Jamey Aebersold might not be famous in his hometown of New Albany, where he has lived his entire life. However, he is famous everywhere else in the world – at the least in the jazz world.
More than one person has said, “Jamey is the most important jazz educator on earth.” Another added, “Jamey has influenced more jazz players than all the universities in the world combined.”
In 1967, Jamey was playing his saxophone and thought, “wouldn’t it be a great if people who were practicing jazz had something to practice with, like a piano or other instruments.” So, he decided to make an LP record (because that was the only option in 1967) and also to write a short book to aid musicians in developing their jazz improvisational skills. That was the first of what has become 133 volumes of Jazz Play-A-Longs.
The book and record sets have evolved into CDs and downloads that provide accompaniments from the world’s top jazz musicians. Jamey says he has probably shipped his materials to every country in the world.
Jamey’s list of awards would fill pages, including an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Indiana University. He earned his Master’s Degree in Saxophone from IU in 1962. Jamey was also inducted into the Jazz Educators Hall of Fame, along with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington.
Of all Jamey’s awards, the one that meant the most was receiving the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award, the highest honor in jazz. The award included a trip to the Lincoln Center and a large cash prize. Yet, Jamey most appreciated … the t-shirt. Why? Because he likes to wear the shirt when he gives free performances at schools. It motivates the youth and shows them what they can accomplish.
In fact, despite all the accolades, Jamey says the most rewarding part of his career is philanthropy. Because of his accomplishments, he is able to give back in so many ways. For example, he provides free concerts to the public, but he personally pays the other musicians who play with him.
For decades, Jamey has traveled to local schools and public venues and shared his love of music. He enjoys helping young musicians learn to play.
For over 40 years, Jamey has been the director of Summer Jazz Workshops. These are held locally and around the world. These week-long workshops are open to everyone, regardless of age or ability, as long as they are serious about jazz.
Jamey loves the opportunity to impact musicians – to change their thinking or change their life. It is priceless to be able to help someone or make a difference. He says, “Hopefully, my enthusiasm has encouraged people to play music, just for the fun of it, in their basement or garage or wherever.”
Jamey says he still has ideas, and he is still using his imagination. And, that means he will continue bringing music to his community and to the world.
Jamey is married to Sara Ann. Their son, Jamey Dwayne Aebersold, graduated from NAHS in 1983.
Read the entire August 2023 Legacy Ledger (Issue 36) edition.