Toledo is truly privileged to have Jon Hendricks living here, and yesterday the Lucas County Commissioners recognized the contributions of this jazz legend with a little party in their meeting room. Hendricks, who turned 86 on Sunday, and daughter Aria sang a few jazz songs backed by the great Clifford Murphy on bass and Claude Black on piano. Other local singers joined them, including Lori Lefevre, Kim Buehler, and Jean Holden, scatting on such standards as "Baby You're My Centerpiece" and "In a Mellow Tone."

Jon is so vibrant and full of life, he seems to be more energetic than most 30 year olds. A five-time Grammy winner, Jon is best known for inventing the intricate singing style called vocalese with his 1950s group Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. He grew up in Toledo and made his mark in New York City, but returned here in 2000 to teach at the University of Toledo.
I've had the honor of spending some great time with Jon, over dinner or just chatting. He is a brilliant person and his spirit and enthusiasm light up a room. I visited him when he was living in New York, just across the street from the World Trade Center.
Jon has so many stories and knows how to tell him, a true raconteur. Many of the all-time jazz greats, including Duke, Dizzy, Bird and Miles, were his friends and used to come to his house and hang out.
The new commissioner Ben Konop joked that he'd like Hendricks, Murphy & Black to be "the commissioner's house band." It was a fun morning, although I couldn't stick around the whole time. I had work to do and the jazz stars were really in a groove... I wonder how long they went?
You can check out the little soiree online at the Blade's website here.
Toledo, Ohio
Sept. 19, 2007