Nolan Shaheed

Nolan Shaheed while setting the M60 1500 metres in the Southern California Striders "Meet of Champions" at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California

Nolan Shaheed (born Nolan Andrew Smith, Jr.,[1][2] July 18, 1949 in Pasadena, California) is a jazz musician, specializing in the cornet and trumpet, and a world record holding masters athlete. It has been said he can "blow your socks off" in either endeavor.[3]

Masters athletics

Shaheed has been in the masters world rankings over various middle distance races since he turned 40. He was the second 50-year-old to break the 2 minute barrier in the 800 metres where he holds the current world record.[4] He added the M50 world record in the Mile run and since turning 60 has added the world record in the 800 metres and 1500 metres.[5] Indoors he holds the world records in the mile in all age divisions between M50 and M60, plus was part of the M50 4x800 m relay team.[6] Domestically he has added the indoor M55 and M60 1500m records and M50, M55, M60 records in the 3000 meters.[7]

Music

As Nolan Smith,[8] he began his musical career in 1974, rising to be a top studio musician. He was musical director for Marvin Gaye, lead trumpet with Count Basie and has an extensive resume of other acts he has worked with including: Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker,[3] Carole King, Tom Waits, John Handy, David Byrne, Raymond Harry Brown, Freddie Hubbard and Niki Nana.[9][10]

References

External links

Interview with Nolan Shaheed