Charles Mingus

Buddy Collette changed music in more than one way. As a noted reed man, he played jazz along some of the greatest players in history including his boyhood friend, Charlie Mingus. Buddy was instrumental in the birth of the Los Angeles jazz scene. Beginning in the late 1940s, Buddy set out to break the color line within the American musicians’ union, which at the time separated the black performers from the whites within their directories. Thanks to Buddy’s efforts the Los Angeles chapter of the union was among the first to classify all members as equal.

Anthony Ortega was a mainstay on the west coast jazz scene beginning in the 1940s. Growing up in Watts, Anthony (known as Tony) went to school with and was exposed to many of the era's Los Angeles jazz musicians, including Charles Mingus. Playing sax, clarinet, and flute Tony went on to play and tour with Lionel Hampton’s Band in the early 50s. Eventually, he returned to the LA scene, playing and recording with Gerald Wilson’s band for many years. Even in his 90s, he continued to play a regular gig with his group in Encinitas, CA. One of the unsung heroes of the jazz world, Tony O

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Walter Perkins was an energetic jazz drummer who provided solid beats for performers such as Sonny Rollins, Charles Mingus, and Lucky Thompson. His career was launched by Ahmad Jamal in 1956 and he soon began performing as a studio musician for the Argo and Vee-Jay labels. He recorded heavily during the 1960s on albums for Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Sonny Stitt, and the vibraphonist Dave Pike. Walter was also a kind and friendly person who always took the

Rob Thorsen, a distinguished bass player and revered music educator based in San Diego, embarked on his musical odyssey at a young age, exploring a myriad of instruments thanks to his parents' encouragement. From the tuba to the classical guitar, Rob's musical journey was a symphony of exploration until he discovered his true calling with the electric bass at 17, procured from a humble garage sale. Fueled by an unbridled passion for music, Rob immersed himself in the vibrant San Diego music scene, honing his skills through mini gigs and forging lasting friendships along the way.