The Columbus Jazz Orchestra and the entire jazz community has lost one of their musical sons. Hank Marr passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004.
Columbus musical legend Hank Marr was recognized as one of the world's masters of the Hammond B-3 organ. Along with Hank's celebrity status as a member of the jazz elite, (he has played with the likes of Nancy Wilson, Della Reese, Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Lou Rawls, and many others) he was a dedicated and gifted educator. Hank's 55-year career in music was a testament of his mastery of the keyboard.
Hank Marr was born on January 30, 1927 in the Columbus neighborhood of Flytown (present-day Thurber Village). At age 14, Hank would sneak to a neighbor's house to play the piano. Self-taught, he plunked out melodies he had heard on the radio show "The Early Worm."
In 1945, he graduated from East High School, and, in 1947, joined the Army. Hank was transferred to special services where he played in the Army Combo Band. After he got out of the service, he joined the band, Charlie Brantley and the Honeydippers (which played on the fact that some people may have confused them with another band, Joe Liggins and the Honey Drippers.) In 1951, he began his first formal music instruction at the Ohio State University, majoring in music theory. There was no jazz studies program at the time, so Hank studied classical music. When asked by his instructors if he could play Beethoven or Chopin, Hank joked, "Who?" He graduated in 1954.
In the early 1950's, Hank joined Rusty Bryant's band (with then-unknown Nancy Wilson on vocals). They played in Atlantic City during the heavy tourist season, where Hank first heard jazz organist Jimmy Smith. Inspired by Smith, Hank began playing the Hammond B-3 organ in 1957. He formed his own group and toured the United States, Canada, and Germany until 1969. From 1969 until 1978, he was musical director for the impressionist George Kirby, performing at Caesar's Palace, The Johnny Carson Show, The Mike Douglas Show and The Merv Griffin Show. In 1981, Hank joined the CJO, and in that same year, he accepted a teaching position at his alma mater, OSU. He retired from OSU in 2000, but returned to teach part-time in 2002.
Hank was the father of four, with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching (forever a Buckeye) OSU football and basketball. His favorite moments with the CJO revolved around his beloved B-3. He especially loved being featured on the organ in 2003 at the CJO's performance in Canada at the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) Annual Conference. Hank appreciated the music fans in Columbus for all their support throughout the years.
We will post funeral arrangements on
www.cjojazz.com when they have been set.
Keep checking back for more information...
Jazz Arts Group
939 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201
614-294-5200
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There's a close-knit fraternity between jazz players, there’s an even closer fraternity within between Hammond jazz players. Hank Marr was originally scheduled to participate in the upcoming B-3 Organ Face Off at Jazz Central as he had on three previous occasions. A month or so ago, owner Charles Stone told me that he had talked to Hank and due to illness we should not list Marr as a player for this occasion but Hank had told him he would be there if at all possible. After this sad course of events, Stone has decided to convert the Face Off to a tribute to Hanks wonderful fifty-five years as a player and educator. I can't help but wonder if Hank's spirit won't be in attendence?
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The unique B-3 Organ Face Off will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 9pm to 1am at: Jazz Central 2931 E. Third Street. Advance tickets are $10.00 ($15.00 at the door.); this event is usually sold out, so if you want to go, order your tickets now. My daughter has only ten to sell so send your request to:
jazzadvocate@kbcom.net
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Thanks for supporting jazz,
Jazz Advocate & Writer
Ronald L Gable
211 S Main Street
Suite 980
Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 371-4953
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www.jazzadvocate.com
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