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Leigh Kamman to Step Down as Host of 'The Jazz Image' |
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Written by Don Berryman
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
 Leigh Kamman © Andera Canter
Jazz broadcasting ppioneer Leigh Kamman is stepping down as the regular host of The Jazz Image on Minnesota Public Radio in September. Kamman began his broadcasting career in Minnesota in 1939. He worked in New York City during the 1950s, where he interviewed such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Quincy Jones and Art Farmer. Kamman returned to Minnesota and ultimately created "The Jazz Image" in 1973. Leigh is known for his poetic, picuresque speaking style and for his knowledge and love of the music, he has been an outstanding broadcaster and a tireless champion of jazz, America’s only original art form. Leigh is known and loved by jazz fans and musicians all over. Oscar Pettiford wrote the tune "Kamman's A'Commin'" in his honor.
After spending 60 years in jazz broadcasting and programming, Kamman says it's time to take a break. First, he says he'll take a long overdue vacation.
Kamman plans to fulfill a book proposal on the history of jazz broadcasting and to continue his association with Minnesota Public Radio, along with speaking engagements for students and the dinner circuit, focusing on the significance of jazz.
The farewell edition of The Jazz Image will broadcast Sept. 29 on Minnesota Public Radio News 91.1 FM and Sept. 30 on Minnesota Public Radio's The Current (89.3 FM) An event to honor Kamman's more than 60 years of broadcasting service will be held Sept. 23 at The Dakota Bar and Grill in Minneapolis.
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Twin Cities, MN 
Friday, 09 January 2009
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