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| Award For George ’Butch’ Ballard In recognition of his more than six decades of performing with some of the most demanding jazz bandleaders, along with his continued commitment to share his vast knowledge and experience with tomorrow's generation of jazz drummers, George "Butch" Ballard has been named the recipient of the 2006 Mellon Jazz Community Award. "We are pleased to honor a jazz legend and a true gentleman who is still plying his craft with his peers. And just as Butch Ballard was first taught the drum basics more than 60 years ago, he understands the importance of passing these skills along to his students, " said David Kutch, chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation's Mid-Atlantic region. "When you look at Butch's impressive background and credentials, it's no wonder that the 'All Music Guide' states that he provided the rhythm for a veritable Mount Rushmore of jazz stars and big band giants." Born in Camden, NJ in 1918, Ballard moved to the Frankford area of Philadelphia at an early age and still lives in that neighborhood. As a youngster, he would follow local parades and admire the drummers. Eventually, his father agreed to let young Butch take drum lessons for 75 cents a week. His first public performance was with the Frankford Boys Club, and his first professional job was with Louis Armstrong's The Dukes in 1938. In 1941, Butch joined the Cootie Williams Orchestra, a band that played in the style of Duke Ellington, and remained with that band after serving in the Navy during World War II. As one of the great early jazz drumers, Ballard also was highly sought after for performances and recordings in both the U.S. and Europe. During his illustrious career, other jazz greats with whom Ballard performed includes Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sonny Greer, Ella Fitzgerald, Arnette Cobbs, Lucy Millinder, Bootsie Barnes, Terry Clark, Sarah Vaughn, Bob Dorsey, Eddy Vincent and Mercer Ellington. In addition to teaching music, the 89-year-old Ballard currently performs with the Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra. The Mellon Jazz Community Award recognizes local individuals, organizations, musicians, programs and institutions for their significant contributions to jazz in the southeastern Pennsylvania area. Taking the form of an original glass sculpture by noted Pennsylvania glass artist Kathleen Mulcahy, the award will be accompanied by a $5, 000 contribution from Mellon Jazz to the Philadelphia Clef Club's jazz education programs. The four previous awardees were Denise King, promoter of free community jazz programs and founder of "BeBop and Books" (2005); WRTI-FM, Temple University's public radio station (2004); Anthony H. "Tony" Williams, founder of the Mount Airy Cultural Center (2003); and Bob Perkins, long-time jazz broadcaster and journalist (2002). write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |