A companion piece to the Rev. Charlie Jackson retrospective (see below), this article spotlights Henry Simmons, Jr. (1932-1981), a mighty gospel singer from Franklin, Louisiana, who was a member of the Consoling Clouds of Joy & the Gospel Entertainers, & who had at least one glorious live collaboration with Rev. Jackson c.1974. Includes interviews with his son Pastor Ricky Simmons & Gospel Entertainers drummer Berwick Moore. [updated December 8, 2024]

In celebration of the 90th birthday of Rev. Charlie Jackson (1932-2006) - all-time gospel guitarist, singer, & spirit - we offer a collection of videos, photos, interviews, recordings, & ephemera, much of which has not previously been made public. [updated September 28, 2024]

Earl Freeman, enigmatic musician / writer / artist, has long been the subject of speculation & curiosity among many free jazz enthusiasts. Though many mysteries remain, it is hoped this living document of remembrances will contribute to greater knowledge about & appreciation of his work. [updated October 22, 2024] 

Two extensive interviews with Cooper-Moore - pianist, composer/improvisor, instrument builder/designer, storyteller, & more. These were originally published in 50 Miles of Elbow Room issue #1 & as the liner notes to the C-M 5x7" box set (50 Miles of Elbow Room #4), respectively. Also includes a brief piece written in conjunction with his receipt of the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2017 Vision Festival. [updated October 12, 2024]

June Tyson (1936-1992) was a key contributor as a singer, dancer, & occasional instrumentalist in Sun Ra’s various Arkestras for over 20 years. 50 Miles of Elbow Room issue #2, published in 2002, featured a 1987 interview with Tyson & her husband Richard Wilkinson that was conducted by Phil Schaap, and remembrances from fellow Arkestra members Marshall Allen, Tyrone Hill, Wisteria El Moondew, & Art Jenkins, and friends Susan Pearlstine & Rudy Collins. [updated June 17, 2022]

RL Boyce & Jessie "Chip" Daniels interviewed in 2001, originally published in a slightly different form in 50 Miles of Elbow Room #2. Also features the notes for Boyce's debut LP, further writings, & additional photos, audio, & video. [updated December 2, 2023]

Cleve Pozar discusses the making of his richly inventive, now-classic Cleve Solo Percussion LP. [updated July 5, 2024]

Stuart Morris was a founding member of the Supreme Dicks, a group of curious young visual artists, filmmakers, writers, & sound experimenters who emerged from the freewheeling environment of Hampshire College in the mid-1980s. “We were not music students, and not very interested in being music students. We were artists.”

Bernice Turner Pratcher (1954-2003) was a key member of her father Otha Turner's Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, starting out as a drummer when she was in her teens. In this interview from 2001, she shares some of her deep history & insights on this rich, vital music.

Willie Hurt and his family have been vibrant contributors to the fife and drum tradition of north Mississippi for many years. This article presents an interview with Mr. Hurt, along with some audio, video, & photos taken at their family's 4th of July picnics in 2013 & 2014.

William Parker reflects on his experiences with and involvement in the "loft scene" of New York City free jazz. This article was originally published in slightly different form in the 2001 Vision Festival program. Parker has graciously allowed 50 Miles of Elbow Room to use images from his Sound Journal to complement the article.

In 2003, 50 Miles of Elbow Room teamed up with Dan Rose to co-produce a benefit / tribute to Otha Turner & Bernice Turner Pratcher, who both passed away on February 26 of that year. An accompanying program, subsequently cataloged as 50 Miles of Elbow Room #3, was given away to those who came to join us in remembrance & celebration. The program contains an array of exclusive interview segments & photographs. Click on the program cover to launch it as a PDF.