Topic: Jim Hall

Trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison was born this day in 1915 in Columbus, Ohio.

Bandleader and banjo player Elmer Snowden was born this day in 1900 in Baltimore. He played with a young Duke Ellington in a trio in Washington around 1919, then summoned Ellington to New York when he needed a piano player. Ellington soon was on his own.

Pianist Clarence Williams was born this day in 1893 in Plaquemine, La. He's better remembered for writing "Royal Garden Blues," "Gulf Coast Blues" and a rowdy blues called "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll."

President Bush Tuesday was keeping a close eye on the talks between the union longshoremen and shipping companies that reported no progress toward ending a lockout that has shut down the normally bustling seaports along the West Coast as consumers begin t

Strike up the band. Composer George Gershwin was born this day in 1898 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He established the standard for popular song in America -- songs that have long been favorite covers for jazz players.

Bass player Slam Stewart, one half of the legendary duo "Slim and Slam," was born this day in 1914 in Englewood, N.J.

Lester Young, one of the great classic tenor saxophonists in jazz, was born this day in 1909 in Woodville, Miss. He was so fine that Billie Holiday nicknamed him "Pres," as in president.

Drummer Philly Joe Jones, a member of Miles Davis's first classic quintet, was born this day in 1923 in Philadelphia. He worked extensively in his hometown early in his career and picked up the nickname "Philly Joe" to avoid confusion with jazz drummer Jo

Drummer and bandleader Louie Bellson was born this day in 1924 in Rock Falls, Ill.

Alto saxophonist Greg Osby is in the vanguard of jazz musicians making inroads to new audiences. An independent thinker and a restless musicologist, Osby has sp