Mike Williams - Great lead trumpet for the Basie Band for many years!

Freddie Hendrix - Jazz Trumpeter seen here with Slide Hampton

Grandma Chipman - See Blog

Gilbert Castellanos - Great trumpeter with Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Delfeayo Marsalis - Great jazz trombonist

3 members of my Wynton family born on this day. 

Frank Stewart - Frank is a world renown photographer that has documented Wynton for at least 25 years if not more maybe 35 years maybe more! Love seeing him always when on the road!

Neil King - Neil and I have lived parallel lives. We finally met at a Wynton concert a few years ago. He is a great brother and have been honored to adjudicate a festival he helps run in West Virginia! 

Lugi Beverelli - Lugi runs Wynton's website which I believe is by far the most thorough website documenting an artists history. Lugi is also a great photographer. 

Johnny Hodges - One of the all time great saxophonists!

Brian Blade - incredible drummer seen here with Marcus and Riza Printup, taken in Chicago after he played with Chick Corea and Christian McBride. 

Dr. Billy Taylor - This would have been Dr. Taylor's 100th birthday today. He did so much to promote jazz, amazing pianist, and super nice guy!

Charles McPherson - One of the great saxophonists. We had a great time with him this past year at MSU despite it being virtual. 

James Zollar - Great jazz trumpeter

Etienne Charles - Not only is he a great trumpeter but I was his roommate for a minute. 

Jon Faddis- I need to write a blog about him, so check over on my blog page!

Talia Colley - Well, today is the birthday of my lovely bride! Of any birthday I've been looking forward to celebrating, it's been this one. If I needed any more proof that my wife is an incredible woman, I for sure don't any more. She has shown so much strength and courage with positive attitude in the past year. She leads by example and is an encouragement and inspiration to me. I'm so blessed that I get to call her my wife and best friend. Can't imagine life without you. Love you and Happy Birthday! 

Yinka Oyslese - Yinka is one of the most talented men I have ever met. Excellence no matter what he does, surgery, photography, producing... Truly a great man!

Carmen Bradford - Carmen is one of my favorite singers. So much soul! We had an infamous car ride where I heard so many great stories. Great friend! 

Bill Johnson - Pastor Johnson has been my spiritual mentor from afar for the last 20 years. I've never met him or seen him in person (although that will change in October) I'm so thankful for his example, wisdom, and courage. Pastor turns 70 today! 

Barry Sanders - Both of these birthdays today are people I've not really met or have pictures of but still want to celebrate. I feel so fortunate to be able to have been alive to watch Barry play every week. I did see him play live and actually stood right next to him once when I was at a game with a marching band that was the entertainment. I loved that Barry was a class act and my favorite line of his when he was asked why he doesn't celebrate after a touchdown was " I act like I've been there before". He made being a lion fan in those days fun wether they won or not because he could break 5 tackles before the line of scrimmage. LOL 

Todd Williams - I met Todd Williams when he was playing with Wynton. Todd is a man of integrity and soul. I've learned so much from Todd over the years and he also is one of my favorite saxophonists of all time. So glad God has crossed our paths and look forward to more times of fellowship!