question and answer

Marsalis Music
02.04.2003

ELLIS MARSALIS

• During your formative years, how did radio serve as an influence?

 I learned a lot about listening as a result of the radio.  From the popular standard fare such as Tommy Dorsey, Helen O’Connell and Glenn Miller to the mystery shows such as Lights Out, The Shadow, Superman and the Lone Ranger, whose theme song came from Rossini.  Later, I heard a modern show that was programming the music of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker and I said Wow! What is THAT?  That experience caused me to move into the direction that I would ultimately pursue.
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