PBS Wisconsin Documentaries

He's an international star. A seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist.

singing

Won't you take a little time girl? Won't you take time? Al Jarreau entertained audiences for more than 50 years, a spectacular career that almost took a different turn. I thought I'd like to become a rehabilitation counselor. But his passion for music prevailed. The music was in my heart and my soul, and to do that as a career I owe it to me. Now Al Jarreau returns

to where it all began

the city where he was born and raised... I won't let anybody forget that I am from Milwaukee....to receive a lifetime achievement award, presented by the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music...

applause

to where it all began

...recognizing not only his music success, but also his commitment to working with a new generation of young artists. That's such a wonderful way to do music. I just had an "Al Jarreau experience."

Al Jarreau laughing

to where it all began

-Celebrating their achievements.

applause

to where it all began

That's the spirit! Sharing his experience and encouraging them to find their own inspiration. Dream! Dream! Dream big!

Honored for his work in music and education

Milwaukee native,

Al Jarreau

Coming Home. Funding for this program is provided in part by John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television. Alwyn Jarreau was born in Milwaukee on March 12, 1940. His father, Emile, was a minister. His mother, Pearl, played piano. -When she played for the church, I was there 'cause we were a church-going family. Al was the fifth of six children. Music was part of family life. Older brothers singing.

scatting

Al Jarreau

And I'm like this, looking at them, and they're singing little jazz lines and bebop lines. I wanted to do that. I wanted to be like that. He had a good ear, a good ear for that, and he's soaking it up like a sponge. Al attended Lincoln High School, not far from his home. It was an amazing thing that happened there for me. There was a sense of community, where we saw multiculturalism and interracial kind-- We were a melting pot. His musical interests grew. He experimented with things. He was curious. He wanted to find new ways of doing things. Ron DeVillers was one of many teachers who encouraged and inspired Al. There were a bunch of us from the other side of the tracks who weren't expected to do anything. And amongst us are a bunch of accomplished people because Tom Cheeks and Sara Scott and Bob Beduhn and Ron DeVillers, said "Oh, yes, you can. Oh-- yes --you--can." He just had the confidence. Good looking guy. Talent. Wanted to do things his way, and he did! Al was also a versatile athlete and especially loved baseball. I was serious about baseball. I was more serious about it than they were serious about me.

laughing

Al Jarreau

Above all, his parents wanted Al and his siblings to have an education. During a time when there weren't a lot of black people who graduated college, my mother and dad were college graduates. They felt strongly about going to school. Al was also student council president. He was chosen to attend Badger Boys State, where he was elected governor. What a statement about who we were then. That this little black kid from Milwaukee was chosen to be governor at Badger Boys State. After high school, Al moved on to Ripon College, but adjusting to college was a challenge. I wasn't ready for a high-powered little liberal arts school. I mean, the curve was kicking my butt. Al considered dropping out, but his instructors and friends stood by him. Encouragement from them really meant something. It was the beginning and the foundation and the catapult. That challenge taught Al an important lesson. I think there's something good about struggle. Tenacity. That's the way you accomplish anything in your life is you keep going. Music also kept him going. At Ripon,

he and his friends formed a quartet

the Indigos. We would go to the student lounge, and there was a piano in there. All of those people loved that music, and we put this little group together. And the first song that we sang was "Mood Indigo." You ain't been blue no no no Ah, what a time, man!

chuckling

he and his friends formed a quartet

What a time! I wish, I wish I could give that to everybody. Al's wish to share the joys of music and the value of education came true. Thank you for inviting me. You're helping me in my dream again. I'm dreaming. He's worked with students all over the country, including this visit to the Milwaukee High School of the Arts in October of 2016. Okay, choir sing "La-dee-dah."

choir repeats

he and his friends formed a quartet

"Sko-po-jee-bee-ah."

choir repeats

he and his friends formed a quartet

What I knew about Al is that he was a famous jazz singer and he was from here. And then to actually have him come into the classroom is just amazing. It was overwhelming. Let's do whatever you want to do. We can sing and play and stay all day.

laughter

he and his friends formed a quartet

I love talking to young kids about music and the arts. That's one of the great beauties in this thing that we call "jazz." You go to music school and you learn this inversion and that kind of inversion. And then jazz says, "Cool. Now let's go and be free." We talked about singing for a little bit and then beyond that, it was how you feel. And that takes somebody with experience and wisdom to figure that out. That's one of the brilliant, wonderful things

that jazz gives us and teaches us

freedom and self-expression. You're already there, you know the great benefits of music. You're doing it. It was such an outstanding opportunity to have a legend, a world-wide legend, who grew up in our town sharing his ideas about art and beauty and how it shapes our world. Your life is made so sweet and much more beautiful because you have this thing that you're passionate about.

Raymond Roberts

And to hear it put so eloquently and so authentically from his heart was just captivating for my students and for me. It was amazing for us to see a product of what we long to be. And we were able to connect on that level. I think that's where the real artistry comes into play.

applause

Raymond Roberts

This is really an incredible experience. Later that week, these Milwaukee students shared their artistry at the award ceremony, recognizing Al's work in music and education. Mr. Jarreau really captures the marriage of mind, body, and soul, and it manifests itself through the love of music. And to be able share that with our children, to have it really become a part of your life is really what this is all about. So a very special thank you to Mr. Jarreau for spending so much time with our children this week. They're still talking about it.

applause

snapping fingers

energetic music

performing "Jeannine" by Manhattan Transfer

Raymond Roberts

Last time Last time I saw Jeannine She looked just like a royal queen And she cruised by With some wealthy guy In a Cadillac limousine Last time Last time I saw Jeannine Last time Last time I saw Jeannine The dollar signs stood in between It was a love lost to the rising cost But since then I have never seen I haven't seen Jeannine Short of green Bye bye Jeannine She was so mean mean mean I mean Jeannine She split the scene So long goodbye Jeannine

applause, whistles, shouts

Raymond Roberts

Al Jarreau finished his formal education in 1962 with a degree in psychology from Ripon College. He moved on to the University of Iowa, where he earned his Master's in Vocational Rehabilitation. From there, he moved to California and began working as a rehabilitation counselor by day and singing at night. Getting an opportunity to sing music in San Francisco, which was one of the great settings for music, '65, you know? Haight-Ashbury was...

speaking in deep, groovy voice

Raymond Roberts

in swing, baby. The revolution was happening, the Cultural Revolution, and all of the music that changed our lives. Al Jarreau's life was changing too. He was quickly making a musical name for himself. By 1968, he quit his job as a counselor and made music the focus of his professional life. I wasn't ready. I was not ready. But I got ready. His big recording break came in 1975. Record executives saw him perform. Two weeks later he recorded his first studio album, "We Got By." We Got By We Got By The records continued to come, and so did the recognition. Al was honing his art of improvisation, developing the unique vocal style that would define him as a musician. A soothing baritone voice with staccato delivery, earned him the nickname "Acrobat of Scat." All of that stuff, which became my signature, my thumbprint.

scatting

laughing heartily, slapping palms together

Raymond Roberts

In 1981, he released "Breakin' Away" his all-time most popular album. It was #1 on both the jazz and rhythm and blues charts, and included the hit song, "We're In This Love Together." We're In This Love Together We got the kind that lasts forever Harkening back to his day-time job and his night-time singing, Al wrote the lyrics for the theme song of a hit TV show, "Moonlighting." The song made Al a regular guest in millions of living rooms. Some walk by night Some fly by day Accolades and awards kept coming.

A total of seven Grammys in three different genres

jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues. Unprecedented in the world of music. He continued performing on bigger stages, appearing on television, including a performance during the very first season of "Saturday Night Live." On television, he was able to share stories of his music and his travels. One of my favorites, "Spain," I can recall... Love that piece. - Yes. Thank you. They must go crazy when you do that in Spain. Oh,

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

I'm sure they do. Oh, they go crazy in Spain when we do that. I like to surprise them with it, you know, sometimes down at the end of the show or come right out and go, "Bap! I can remember the rain Aah!" I can remember the rain In December The leaves of brown on the ground In Spain I did love and adore you The nights filled with joy were our yesterdays And tomorrow will bring you near me Ole! I can recall my desire Every reverie is on fire And I get a picture of all our yesterdays Yes today I can say I get a kick every time They play that Spain again So, as you write and compose, remember that you can put it in words.

Al Jarreau singing

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

I can recall my desire Every reveries is on fire Now I get a picture of all our yesterdays Yes today I can say I get a kick every time I see you gaze at me New meaning, new meaning Back in the classroom, Al's message resonates beyond the music. This stuff that increases your sensitivity about something that's in the song, in the play, in the dance that talks of the emotions and feelings of the writer and all. That, that makes you a person of the community. That's a sensitive person who understands what our real gig is. What our job is. This responsibility to each other. He's so much deeper than just singing, and that's what we saw. How much love he has for it. It makes me feel good because I have that sometimes, and it just, I can see it can grow. That's something that we see in Al. And we see that he actually feels good. And that means everything. That's what's so important about it. It can help them understand their own potential for greatness. We had the nerve to sing a tune that Mr. Jarreau recorded. And that's what I love about students. They're like, "Okay, we're going to do it."

laughter

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

This is a tune by Chick Corea that Al recorded entitled "Spain." This is our tribute to you. Thank you so much. Your master class was so inspiring. It's the most inspiring thing I've ever experienced in my 26 years teaching. So, thank you so much.

applause

band accompaniment

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

Yesterday Just a photograph Of yesterday With all its edges folded And the corners faded sepia brown And yet it's all I have Of our past love A postscript to its ending Brighter days I can see such brighter days When every song we sang Is sung again And now we know It's for good And we're lovers once again And you're near me I can remember the rain in December The leaves of brown On the ground In Spain I did love and adore you The nights filled with joy were our yesterdays And tomorrow will bring you near me I can recall my desire Every reverie is on fire And I get a picture of all my yesterdays Yes, today I can say I get a kick every time They play that Spain again I can remember the rain in December The leaves of brown On the ground Our love was a Spanish fiesta The bright lights and sound Were our joy each day And the nights were the heat of yearning I can recall my desire Every reverie is on fire And I try to get a picture of all my yesterdays Yes today I can say I get a kick every time I see you gaze at me I see moments of history Your eyes meet mine And they dance to the melody And we meet again As if dreaming Oooooooo

scatting

scatting

applause

electric guitar solo

scatting

electric guitar solo

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

The sound of our hearts Beat like castanets And forever we'll know their meaning I can recall my desire Every reverie is on fire And I get a picture of all my yesterdays Yes today I can say I get a kick every time they play That Spain Again

applause, shouts, whistles

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

At this time, Al, it is with a great honor that we present you with the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

applause, shouts, whistles

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

Alright. My, my, my. What a lovely day! Those children who sang (imitating students scatting "Jeannine") Last time I saw Jeannine I wouldn't dare tackle that song.

laughter, applause

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

Now. Well, I was in Milwaukee celebrating with my family, my extended family, my friends, and people who loved the arts, and people who love music. There's something special in that. The arts represent a crystallized form of life and all of the things of life that make us happy, make us sad, and this, that, and the other. And when we teach our kids about that, we teach our kids that sensitivity training our education system is needing. And so we have to provide those answers. And so it's just so wonderful to be here with educators. God, I love teachers! My goodness, I love teachers!

applause

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

Committed to education. That's who we need to be and to take care of each other. Find something-- and let it change your life. Let it make joy in your heart. We in Wisconsin, you know, we tend to shy away from all of those accolades and stuff. We're more like, "Just get 'er done." You know? And so, it's wonderful when we say, "Good job!" to each other. Good job! And I just love that about this occasion and what it suggests for the future. Just acknowledging each other for good work. I really want to thank Wisconsin School Music Educators for this beautiful honor. And so, I'm here, accepting this and saying, "Thank you so very much." God bless us all. Thank you.

applause

yeah. -Tavis Smiley

After five decades of performing, Al's words about the value of music and education are still strong. His message of hope and inspiration continues to resonate.

Al Jarreau

It begins with a dream, making come to be what you see in your head. So, dream! Dream, dream big! Go for it! My dream is to be able to express my love for music, and be able to touch others and help them. I want to be a performer. I feel like, you know, that's what I'm meant to do. Seeing him and being able to talk to him has really inspired me to have the courage to continue. The ultimate dream is just to be playing music and to have people respond. That's the dream. He talked to us about believing in our dreams and making them become beautiful pieces of art. It makes me feel like I have hope. Like I can do it too. Don't give up. Keep going, keep pushing. One of many dreams Al had as a child was realized when he was invited to perform at the White House.

Jarreau singing

Al Jarreau

And the world

scatting

Al Jarreau

Wonderful thing to be there at the White House in the Rose Garden. And there's the First Family sitting there front row center. Pretty amazing stuff For Al Jarreau, success can be measured in many ways. As a teacher and a performer. A world-class musician. An international star on an international stage. Sharing the universal language of music. With a career of unprecedented achievements, Al's humility was his hallmark. Tied to the values of the community where he grew up, the people who meant so much to him, and the city he always loved-- Milwaukee. This is home. When people from home say,

claps hands

Al Jarreau

ain't nothing like that. Nothing in the world like it. I have some Grammys from, from this country and that country, and all kinds of awards. But I'm from Milwaukee. And when people from Milwaukee say, "Thank you, Al, we're proud of you. You did us proud." That's the stuff.

chuckles

Al Jarreau

That's the stuff. Thank you.

Jarreau singing

Al Jarreau

I say move Moving along the sky Yeah It's a car moving along a highway Mm-hmm You Money cannot follow with me I'm almost two thousand miles from my home sweet home Two thousand miles from the arms that bore me Two thousand miles from my home sweet Milwaukee Yeah yeah Talking about Milwaukee Oooooo Coming Home was funded in part by John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.