Saying goodbye to one of Charleston’s Greats – Jack McCray

This is not a post about death – so much as it is about life. A dynamite smile. An expansive heart. And a soul that transcended all barriers of age, race and economic class. With Jack McCray – it was only about being true, a quality he had the ability to pull out of each and every one of us.

Jack brought Charleston back from whence she came – into a soundscape of verve, vibe and vitality. Under his guidance, Jazz was reborn here. And even though he is no longer with us in body, his “Jackness” will live on. Every time you hear the somber note of a trombone, or the swish of a cymbal or the swing out of a saxophone – know that it is Jack, whispering in your ear, inviting you to remember…”You gotta find the good times inside”

In the heat of a Charleston November morning, we celebrated his life in a procession from his place of birth, to his place of rest.   Thanks Jack.

Jazz procession for Jack McCray from Marcus Amaker Design on Vimeo.

 

For more on Jack (and by Jack) read:

The Protocol and Improvisation of Charleston – Jack McCray

Charleston Jazz – Jack McCray

Jazz Community Mourns Loss of Jack McCray – Charleston City Paper

In Memoriam: Jack McCray – Charleston Magazine

Remembering Jack McCray – Charleston City Paper

Jazz Advocate Jack McCray Dies – Post and Courier

Jack McCray – A Tribute – Charlie Magazine

2 Responses to “Saying goodbye to one of Charleston’s Greats – Jack McCray

  • Thank you for capturing a tribute to someone who clearly touched so many lives. It supports the theory that art and music touch all of our lives and connect brother to brother. I love the truly Southern tribute to someone who was so dearly loved.

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