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Dec 30, 2009

A Great Man--Dave Brubeck

 

Dave Brubeck

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Brubeck

Excerpt:

Brubeck was born in ConcordCalifornia and grew up in Stockton. His father, Howard Brubeck, was a cattle rancher, and his mother, Elizabeth (née Ivey), who had studied piano in England and intended to become a concert pianist, taught piano for extra money.[2] Brubeck originally did not intend to become a musician (his two older brothers, Henry and Howard, were already on that track), but took lessons from his mother. He could not read sheet music during these early lessons, attributing this difficulty to poor eyesight, but "faked" his way through, well enough that this deficiency went mostly unnoticed.[3]

Intending to work with his father on their ranch, Brubeck entered the College of the Pacific (now the University of the Pacific) studying veterinary science, but transferred on the urging of the head of zoology, Dr Arnold, who told him "Brubeck, your mind's not here. It's across the lawn in the conservatory. Please go there. Stop wasting my time and yours."[4] Later, Brubeck was nearly expelled when one of his professors discovered that he could not read music. Several of his professors came forward, arguing that his ability with counterpoint and harmony more than compensated. The college was still afraid that it would cause a scandal, and only agreed to let Brubeck graduate once he promised never to teach piano.[5]


[edit]Quartet era

Dave Brubeck, featured on Time magazine cover, "The Man on Cloud No. 7". November 8, 1954[8].

Following a near-fatal swimming accident which incapacitated him for several months, 

Dave Brubeck in 1954.


Wright is African-American; in the late 1950s and early 1960s Brubeck canceled several concerts because the club owners or hall managers resisted the idea of an integrated band on their stages. He also canceled a television appearance when he found out that the producers intended to keep Wright off-camera.


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