Leslie Lavell Spann Jr (1932 - 1989)

Born 23 May 1932 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

Died Feb 1989 at age 56 in New York City, New York, United States

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Biography

Leslie Spann Jr is Notable.

Leslie Lavell Spann Jr. stands out as a notable figure in the realm of American jazz due to his exceptional versatility and contributions as both a guitarist and flautist. His collaborations with luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington, and Johnny Hodges showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse musical ensembles. Spann's proficiency on both the flute and guitar, coupled with his leadership in recording the album "Gemini" in 1961, demonstrated a rare range of musical talent. Despite a relatively brief solo recording career, his impact resonates through his collaborations and innovative performances, securing his status as a notable and influential figure in the history of American jazz.

Leslie Lavell Spann Jr. was born on May 23, 1932, in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. His father was Leslie Lavell Spann Sr., and his mother was Clara Black Spann. His early years saw him immersed in the vibrant musical scene of Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, where he resided in 1950. Between 1950 and 1957, Leslie dedicated himself to the study of music at Tennessee State University, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments in the jazz world.

After completing his college education, Leslie Spann Jr. ventured into the professional music scene, collaborating with notable musicians such as Phineas Newborn Jr. and Ronnell Bright. The year 1959 marked a significant turn in his career when he joined Dizzy Gillespie's quintet in New York City. In this ensemble, Leslie showcased his talents on both flute and guitar, leaving his mark on two of Gillespie's albums for Verve Records.

A pivotal moment in Leslie's career occurred in 1960 when he traveled to Europe as a member of Quincy Jones's big band. This overseas experience was followed by two albums in which Spann played a key role in a sextet featuring legendary figures like Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, and Harry "Sweets" Edison.

Despite his significant contributions to collaborative works, Leslie Spann Jr. also made strides as a solo artist. In 1961, he recorded the album "Gemini," featuring tracks like "Smile" and "Blues for Gemini," showcasing his prowess as a leader.

The year 1962 saw Leslie collaborating with Wild Bill Davis, contributing to recordings such as "On a Little Street in Singapore-1," "Manhattan-1," "African Waltz," and "Midnight in Moscow." He continued to diversify his musical portfolio by reuniting with Johnny Hodges in 1967 and, around 1970, lending his flute skills to a quartet led by guitarist Kenny Burrell.

Tragically, Leslie Lavell Spann Jr.'s journey in the world of jazz came to an untimely end when he passed away in February 1989 in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and artistry. His unique contributions as both a guitarist and flautist have secured his place in the annals of American jazz history.

Researcher Notes

1. Wikipedia list his death date as January 24, 1989. The source cited is a book, that is not available online. His Social Security Death Record list his death date as Feb 1989. I believe the SSA record is more reliable and have used that date as his death. Jimmy Honey

Sources

• Newspaper Clipping, Evening Standard, London, Greater London, England, 23 Feb 1963, Sat. - Page 6. "Jazz by R.K.W.." Accessed 10 Nov 2023.
• Newspaper Clipping, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 23 Dec 1962, Sun. - Page 3. "American Legion Concert will Feature Les Spann." Accessed 10 Nov 2023.
• Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Spann, Les," accessed November 10, 2023, "Les Spann Discography of American Historical Recordings." Accessed 10 Nov 2023.
• Wikipedia contributors, "Les Spann," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Les_Spann&oldid=1175919511 (accessed November 10, 2023).
• 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee; Roll: 998; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 99-197 Ancestry Record 62308 #106764854
• U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #24063737
• U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #58971252

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q1577989

Acknowledgements

1. I would like to thank Emma (McBeth) MacBeath M.Ed MSM for creating this profile. Jimmy Honey