2010s

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.

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.