Here’s to the Ladies. Great Ladies of Jazz, that is!In Celebration of Women’s History Month, one of Grambling’s own alumni and premier jazz vocalist, Jackie Greggs, will be giving a tribute to the “Great Ladies of Jazz” for the first time ever in Northeast Louisiana on Tuesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at Coda’s Bar and Grill, 101 North Grand Street, Monroe.
The history of jazz would not be complete without the many contributions of women. Many of the great women of jazz are now known on a first name basis: Billie, Ella, Sarah and Dinah, just to name a few. These women are but a few of the legendary artists that paved the way for jazz vocals.
In 2004, Greggs was the first to perform a tribute to “Lady Day: Billie Holiday” in Northeast Louisiana.
That performance ended in a standing ovation. She most recently performed “Remembering Mr. Cole,” a tribute to Nat King Cole.
“Great Ladies of Jazz” will highlight memorable songs of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone and Peggy Lee.
The show will infuse a biographical history of these great ladies of jazz. Greggs said she was inspired to do the show by listening and performing the works of these outstanding women for many years.
“As a jazz vocalist, I’ve been studying, researching and singing the songs of these great ladies. I am awestruck by the magnitude of the musical contributions they left to the world,” said Greggs.
“My show will honor their works. You won’t hear me trying to sound like these women, for as I’ve learned while they were alive, they weren’t particularly impressed with people trying to imitate them.”
“Rather, they appreciated the respect other artists showered on them for the many accomplishments they achieved. So while I welcome their spirits in the room on this great night, I won’t exactly be channeling them. if you know what I mean,” expressed Greggs.
Greggs will be accompanied by some of the most seasoned and professional musicians in Northeast Louisiana: former Band Director of Carroll and Wossman High Schools and of Grambling State University Marching Band Maurice Johnson on saxophone; ULM music educator, composer, and guitarist Dan Sumner; accomplished bassist Jeff Albright, and ULM associate professor, Director of Jazz and Percussion Larry Anderson on drums.
Show starts promptly at 7 p.m. at Coda’s Bar and Grill, 101 North Grand Street, Monroe. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 318-547-9759/318-547-8942 for ticket information.