Hello everyone, check out this weather! Hey! This is my time of the year. Honey Child! We are ready to get out and party outdoors, indoors, or wherever! I am available for book signings at your event. Just give me a call. My contact information is at the end of my column.
Okay, I am sorry, but I have to start this column with some sad news: saxophonist Carlos Johnson has passed away. He began his love of music at the very early age of 10, already enrolled in every musical program Baltimore City Schools had to offer. By the time Carlos reached his teens, he was a well-known professional artist performing in clubs located on the famous Pennsylvania Avenue Strip. Not only was Carlos proficient in performing on the alto saxophone, but he was also given the gift of singing. He was just as captivating whether blowing his horn or singing the blues. His professional career took flight in the late 60s when he teamed up with one of Baltimore’s legendary musicians, Cornell Muldrow. This is when I first met Carlos and we became instant friends when he became a regular member of “The Bim Bam Boo Trio.” For over fifteen years, this band would capture the hearts of the African American community every week from Thursday through Sunday at the very Popular “Lucky Number,” located on Popular Grove Street from the late 60s to the early 80s. After Cornell passed, Carlos organized the “Carlos Johnson Zone 1 Jazz Band.”
In the early 80s, Carlos was asked to leave Baltimore by the international recording artist, Ms. Damita Jo, who was managed by her husband, Biddy Woods. He became Damita’s band director. He appeared at the first Atlantic City Jazz Festival in 1979. He traveled all over the country and shared the stage with the late great Count Basie and his orchestra, along with Lena Horne and Victor Damone.
It was a pleasure working with this musician and being his agent for several years, booking him at clubs such as: Bill Dotson; the Lorman House; The Bird Cage; G&G Lounge in the mid 1970s; Well’s Cocktail Lounge; and The Krystal Lounge (located on Baker & McKean). I booked him at the Jazz Expressway Foundation event and at the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship events, where I also honored him, naming him as one of the finest and most gifted musicians born in Baltimore. I am so glad I gave him his flowers while he still could smell them.
Carlos’ viewing will be on April 29th from 5-8 p.m. at Wylie’s Funeral Home on Liberty Road in Randallstown, Maryland, and his funeral service will be at Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Baptist Church at 10 a.m. “Shorty” and I send love and condolences to his wife, sons and family.
Well, my friends, I want you to check your calendar and mark the first Saturday of the month from June through September. I will be doing my shows at the Avenue Bakery Courtyard; admission is free. Bring your concert chairs, and you can BYOB. Join us for some of the best of the best live entertainment. I will give you my lineup in my next column in two weeks.
Carlos Hutchins’s Pre-Mother’s Day Tribute Concert honoring his wife, Patsy, will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Lodge of Maryland, located 1307 Eutaw Place. Give Carlos a call at 443-963-5711. Ladies are asked to wear purple or white. His entertainment will include: the Rollex Band; Songbird; Phyllies Intruders; Ms. Gina; Ms. Shay; J’Kar; Carman Bryant from York, Pennsylvania; and DJ Jazz. There will be an open bar and BYOB. Ladies and gentlemen, I will have my new books with me to autograph for you at my table. Sounds like a party to me!
Fullwood Travel Group will present a Mother’s Day Fashion Show on Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m. at The Cella 2 @ Parkville, 7631 Harford Road, in Baltimore, located in Parkville Shopping Center. For tickets and information, call 410-542-2530.
Well, my friends, I am out of space, until the next time. Remember, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474, or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.
