Dr. Nelson Harrison

June 16 - Jazz musician/composer/educator - Dr. Nelson Harrison

Dubbed a Renaissance Man by syndicated journalist George Anderson in the 1970s, Nelson Harrison, Ph. D., ASCAP, wears many professional hats including clinical psychologist, educator, composer, arranger, trombonist, playwright, clinician, veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra (1978-81). A bandleader since the age of 13, he has played with Kenny Clarke, Billy Eckstine and Earl "Fatha" Hines, Jay McShann, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams, Larry Ridley, Freddie Redd and Gerald Wilson; recorded with Walt Harper, Nathan Davis and Count Basie; has co-led jazz groups featuring Joe Harris and Andy Bey during a career of 50+ years. His composer credits consist of over 300 original compositions including movie scores and soundtracks that include works for August Wilson, Mark Snow, George Sanford Brown and John Russo.