Some 2001 Grammy History
When guitarist and KC native Pat Metheny picked up Grammy #14 on February 21, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences was probably unaware that a portion of early dues paid included several years as an aspiring brassman.

Unfortunately, somewhere around the time this photo was taken (August 1970) braces ended a promising career.

Or so the story goes.

From the Grammy winner's 1998 speech, upon being elected to the Lee's Summit High School Hall of Fame:

"...I was a truly, absolutely, excruciatingly horrible trumpet player. When I would practice, my mom's flowers would wither in their vases; my dog, George, would give me weird looks and walk from the room with his tail between his legs; (and) birds would suddenly fall mysteriously from the sky... "

And so, the guitar became the instrument of choice, much to the enduring gratitude of flowers, dogs, birds, and jazz lovers around the world.



RETURN TO APRIL/MAY 2001 MAIN INDEX


© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.