Archive for October, 2008
Thielemans and Benson honored as NEA Jazz Masters
Image Source:amsterdamjazzagency.com
Guitarist George Benson was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of its 2009 Jazz Masters. But there was another artist who received the award in the most touching moment in the annual ceremony. He is none other than, Toots Thielemans, born in Belgium. Thielemans is 86 years old, he played with the harmonica, a version of, What A Wonderful World, accompanied by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He dedicated his performance to his musical influence, Louise Armstrong. Thielemans is the harmonica behind the Sesame Street opening theme, which were loved by generations of children all over the world. Thielemans got hooked on jazz during the occupation of Germany in the 1940s. he loved to hear Armstrong with the Mills Brothers. He is the very first European by birth musician harmonica player to be confered with the Jazz Master award. He was given the title “baron” by King Albert II of Belgium in 2001. He settled in the US in 1952. And he still remembers the warm welcome of fellow musicians from that time.