America and the world have lost a true cultural icon and jazz giant, Dave Brubeck.
Brubeck revolutionized jazz in the 1950s much as Charley Parker and dizzy Gillespie did during the 1940s. His unconventional rhythms and time signatures created a wider audience for jazz and led to young musicians expanding their artistic horizons.
He was the first jazz musician to grace the cover of Time (1954). He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom a few years ago. These were two of the many accolades he received during his productive life.
In later years Dave Brubeck collaborated with his sons to produce sacred musical suites and concerts.
I had the pleasure of hearing the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1957 at Arlington Heights High (our senior concert). All he and his sidemen did was swing!
May he rest in peace and his music live on.
Bill Goodman Sr.
Mount Prospect
