He took me to my very first jazz concert and I've loved jazz ever since. R.I.P. dear friend. Sherry http://www.npr.org/2014/07/11/33077...d-charlie-haden-who-crafted-his-voice-in-bass Jazz legend Charlie Haden has died at the age of 76. Polio damaged Haden's voice when he was young, but as a bassist and composer, Haden helped shape the sound of jazz and still spanned country and gospel. For more on Haden's life and music, Melissa Block talks with Slate magazine columnist and jazz critic Fred Kaplan.
He took a friend of mine and me to see Miles Davis. I had never been to a jazz concert before and he told me to wear what I wore to rock and roll concerts. I showed up in jeans and a tee shirt and we were driven to the Opera House in S.F. We were escorted to a Box Seat. All those women in gowns were staring at me and I felt so self conscious. Charlie told me not to worry about it. Shortly thereafter the spotlight came in our direction and Miles thanked Charlie for showing up. We all three stood and waved, per Charlie's instructions. He then leaned over to me and laughed, stated that during Intermission those women would treat me differently, but I was to act as I always had. I laughed so much. He was a great human being.
