1990s

Trumpeter. Harold A. Posey, Jr. born September 19, 1930 in Reading, Pennsylvania; died March 31, 2017 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Played with Eddie Phyfe at Olivia Davis’ Patio Lounge in 1956 and with the Swanee Six at the Bayou in 1957.

Pianist. Elsworth Furman Gibson born November 11, 1929 in Washington, D.C.; died August 21, 2006.

Attended Armstrong High School. Served in U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the rank of sergeant. He concluded his service as a member of the 56th Army Band.

Hornist and educator. Robert Anthony Northern born May 21, 1934 in Kinston, North Carolina; died May 31, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Known since the early 1970s as Brother Ah.

Northern grew up in Bronx, New York. He began as a trumpeter and studied with Bennie Harris.

Bassist. Edward Rudolph Warren, Jr. born August 9, 1939 in Washington, D.C.; died October 5, 2013 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

His father Eddie Warren was a pianist who played locally. Butch’s first musical experiences were with his father’s ensembles. Billy Taylor, Sr.

Drummer and vibraphonist. Born c. 1941.

Sweetney attended Dunbar High School and earned a degree in art education at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He also completed a master’s degree at Howard University.

Recorded with Shirley Horn in 1965 and 1972 and performed with her trio.

Drummer. James Wilbur Cobb born January 20, 1929 in Washington, D.C.; died May 24, 2020 in New York City.

Cobb attended Armstrong High School and briefly studied percussion with Jack Dennett of the National Symphony Orchestra. He played locally with Charlie Rouse at Republic Gardens and with Buck Hill and Ellsworth Gibson.