Hollywood, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2007) — On September 27, 2007, the reigning dean of jazz drummers Roy Haynes performed and was honored at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Jazz Issue Forum and Concert at the Washington Convention Center, in Washington, DC. Hosted for the past 21 years by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), the Forum and Concert celebrates and educates the public about jazz.
 Left to right: Conf. Mel Watt (D-NC), representing 12th District of North Carolina; drummer/bandleader Nasar Abadey, presenting a plaque to Haynes on behalf of Washington, DC area drummers and percussionists; Roy Haynes; and Cong. John Conyers (D-MI), representing the 14th District of Michigan. |
Haynes is a jazz legend who has performed with the likes of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Sonny Rollins, Theonius Monk and Eric Dolphy. His work as a leader includes collaborations with Paul Chambers, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Kenny Garrett.
"It's rare when an artist can lay claim to being a forefather of the musical style in which he plays. In his 60 years of making music he has helped define this music we call jazz. His influence is forever inked in the pages of musical history," comments Joe Testa, international artist relations manager for Yamaha Drums. "We are proud and humbled to have Roy's instrument of choice be Yamaha Drums."
During the concert, Congressman Conyers presented Haynes with a bronzed copy of a statement made to the House of Representatives honoring him.
Haynes has been named a "Jazz Master" by the National Endowment for the Arts. He is also a recipient of a 2007 Downbeat Critics Award. Haynes' latest band, Fountain of Youth, features some great young players with whom he has produced Grammy nominated recordings. In October, Haynes released a four-disc boxed set titled
A Life in Time – The Roy Haynes Story. It includes a number of history-making recordings that highlight his prolific career.
First row, from left to right: Roy Haynes and Cong. John Conyer; second row, from left to right: Kush Abadey, Frank Williams, Nasar Abadey, Anthony Allen, Nantambu Milton Russ, Nathan Jolly, Jabari Exum; third row, from left to right: Ron Compton, Chuck Redd, Tony Martucci and other metro DC drummers.
