2000s

Writer, historian, broadcaster. Born William Royal Stokes on June 27, 1930 in Washington, D.C.; died May 1, 2021 in Elkins, West Virginia.

He attended Woodrow Wilson High School and then University of Maryland before serving in the U.S. Army. He then attended the University of Washington (BA, 1958, MA, 1960), and completed his formal education with a Ph.D.

Writer, historian, producer, stage manager. Born May 9, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio; died April 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

As a student at Antioch College, Brower was active in efforts to create a Black Studies program there. After his graduation in 1971 he soon moved to Washington.

Baritone saxophonist. Jack Jerome Nimetz born January 11, 1930 in Washington, D.C.; died June 10, 2009 in Studio City, California.

Member of THE Orchestra (1951-1953). Also played with Bob Astor, Daryl Harpa, Mert Oliver.

Joined Woody Herman’s Third Herd, touring and recording from 1953 to 1955, then played with Stan Kenton in 1956 and again from 1959 to 1960.

Drummer. William Frank Reichenbach, III born December 18, 1923 in Washington, D.C.; died May 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Father of trombonist Bill Reichenbach, Jr. and singer Kurt Reichenbach.

Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Toured with Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and with Art Mooney (1948).

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.