With Jazz Fesival on our minds and in our hearts, we share the following history and continue to discover that there are so many connections between Thailand and New Orleans...
Did you know that... "The current King of Thailand, Rama IX, is an accomplished jazz musician and composer, known particularly for his works on the alto saxophone. He was the first Asian composer awarded honorary membership of the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna at the age of 32. He used to play jazz music on the air on the Or Sor radio station.(like our WWOZ?) In his travels, he has played with such jazz legends as Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, Lionel Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band!!! (WOW!!!!)His songs can often be heard at social gatherings and concerts.
On 27 June 1967, after a 30-day concert tour, the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band performed at a White House dinner for President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson and Bhumibol and his wife, at his request. In 2003, the University of North Texas College of Music awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Music."
Rama is highly respected and is the longest serving crowned head of state and the longest reigning monarch in Thai history.
I say LONG LIVE the King and JAZZ!!!
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