Old white man lets Black musicians play

Dr. James Polk, Godfather of Jazz in Austin, Has Died

Dr. James Polk, the legendary Austin jazz musician and educator, has passed away at 83, leaving behind a rich legacy of mentorship, activism, and boundary-breaking talent. Polk, who spent five decades performing and uplifting younger artists in the Texas city, was known not only for his extraordinary skills on the piano and organ, but also for his unwavering dedication to breaking down racial barriers in the music industry.

Born in 1941 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Polk developed a passion for music at a young age. He played various instruments before discovering his talents on the piano and organ, the instruments that would later make him a legend in the Austin music scene. After a brief stint in the army, Polk chose to pursue his education at Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black college in Austin. This decision set the tone for Polk's lifelong commitment to advancing racial equality in the music industry.

During his time in college, Polk actively worked to address the racial divide that existed in Austin, particularly between the historically Black east Austin and the segregated, white west Austin. He began performing with and arranging for local musicians, using his talent to bridge racial gaps and create a more inclusive music scene.

Polk's impact extended beyond the stage. He worked as a high school band teacher, inspiring and mentoring young musicians. It was during this time that he met Dr. Beulah Agnes Jones, an elementary school teacher and lifelong partner. Jones recalls the prophetic words of Ray Paterson, who, upon hearing Polk play, whispered, "We’re going to hear a lot about this young man."

Polk's talent took him across Austin, performing at venues like the Jade Room, the Continental Club, and above an H-E-B Supermarket. His reputation as an exceptional musician and a humble mentor grew, with Jones recalling his variations on classics like "My Funny Valentine" and "Misty."

Polk's career included tours with renowned musicians like Lionel Hampton and Ray Charles. However, he remained grounded and invested in his community, lamenting the gentrification of east Austin and the displacement of the Black community that had thriving there. Despite facing barriers as a Black musician, Polk never fell into bitterness or resentment. Instead, he carried on the legacy of Black musicians who came before him, paving the way for future generations.

Polk's humility and generosity are underscored by his willingness to collaborate and mentor younger artists. Keith Winkling, the music department chair at Texas State University, recalls how Polk inspired the development of a jazz music program at the university, attracting talented young jazz players. Elias Haslanger, an Austin-based jazz saxophonist, started the band "Church on Monday" with Polk in 2011, a collaboration that lasted for over a decade. Haslanger highlights Polk's emphasis on mentorship and oral tradition, passing on his knowledge and experience to those around him.

Brannen Temple, a friend and fellow musician, sums up Polk's genius: "He could hear where you were trying to go, and he’d give you a little nudge to help you get there... It was him saying, 'You know it, you can do that.'". Polk's impact extended beyond musical notes, as he encouraged and believed in the potential of those around him.

The Elephant Room on Congress Avenue, an iconic Austin jazz venue, held a special tribute night for Polk on Monday, July 18th. The venue, located in a basement below a sushi restaurant, buzzed with energy as musicians and fans gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. James Polk. Michael Mordecai, who started the Monday night jam sessions at the Elephant Room in the early '90s, shared words of wisdom from Polk: "music is not a competition, everyone has something to say."

As we mourn the loss of Dr. James Polk, let us honor his memory by continuing his legacy of musical excellence, mentorship, and activism. Upcoming tributes will be held at various venues in Austin, including the Elephant Room, Parker Jazz Club, and the State Theatre at Paramount.

URLs:

Huston-Tillotson University

Jade Room

Continental Club

Texas Music Museum

Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame Awards

R.I.P. Dr. James Polk (1941 - 2023). Your music and impact will forever echo in the streets of Austin.