Ahmad Alaadeen
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Ahmad Alaadeen (born in July 24, 1934) is a jazz saxophonist from Kansas City who has a career spanning over 5 decades. His latest recording is New Africa Suite. (Also see: ASR Records)
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[edit] Education
Primarily known by his surname, Alaadeen was a student of Leo H. Davis (who reportedly was also Charlie Parker's teacher during the legendary saxophonist's youth in Kansas City) and began performing professionally at the age of 14. Alaadeen would later study formally at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music, St. Mary's College and Chicago's DePaul University. He also spent significant periods of time living in New York, Chicago, Denver, St. Louis and San Antonio. Alaadeen is a proud veteran of the US military music program, where he served as a member of the 4th US Army Band as featured jazz saxophonist and principle oboist in the organization's wind ensemble.
[edit] Career
Since 1950, Alaadeen has played his sax with so many of the greatest names in music; starting with Jazz and Blues legends Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Jay McShann, Ella Fitzgerald, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, right up through Motown stars Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Sam Cooke. Along the way, he has won awards including Billboard songwriting competitions for several of his original compositions. In 1996, his ensemble was picked as Musician Magazine's Best Unsigned Band.
[edit] Influence
Alaadeen is recognized in his community and state as a master of the distinctive sound known as Kansas City jazz with his receipt of the Jazz Heritage Award, the Missouri Humanities Council's Community Heritage Award and the Missouri Arts Award. The Missouri Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance have awarded grants to Alaadeen and Alaadeen Enterprises, Inc. He is included in both organizations' Touring Artist Rosters.
In addition to performing with his jazz ensembles, Alaadeen continues to work as a significant jazz educator. He epitomizes the term "standard bearer" not only in his own playing, but also in the teaching and nurturing of emerging artists. Recently, he was inducted into the RT Coles/Lincoln High School "Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame". Additionally, Alaadeen served with distinction for 6 years as Board Chairman of the Historic Mutual Musicians Foundation, located in the 18th and Vine Historic District of Kansas City.
[edit] Government recognition
On October 12, 2000, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy recognized Alaadeen in the United States House of Representatives for the contributions he has made to his community's understanding of its heritage. [ Congressional Record: October 13, 2000 (Extensions)][Page E1781-E1782][DOCID:cr13oc00-48] See: GPO Online
On June 19, 2002, Missouri Governor, Bob Holden, honored Alaadeen at an official dinner at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. In an effort to acknowledge Alaadeen for making a significant impact in the history, development and performance of Jazz, and to applaud Alaadeen for his outstanding achievements in the art form of Jazz, Alaadeen was issued a Proclamation from the Office of the Governor, State of Missouri.
[edit] Current activities
Alaadeen has been developing several projects in the areas of recording, composing and publishing. Additionally, he continues to oversee the growth, operations and management of 'ASR Records. Alaadeen remains an active performer while writing a method book and also preparing many of his original composition works for performance by large jazz ensemble through Fandeen Publishing Company, Inc.
[edit] Famous quote
"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world." - Ahmad Alaadeen
