The College of Social Sciences and Humanities congratulates Leonard Brown, associate professor of African American Studies and music, on the publication of his new book, “Boston’s Jazz Legend: The Al Vega Story.”
The biography is composed of Brown’s interviews and discussions with Vega over an eleven year period and includes commentary from family members and accomplished singers who have worked with Vega over the last three decades.
The book chronicles Vega’s life in his own words. The time span begins in his childhood in Chelsea during the 1920’s to his embracing jazz during the swing era in his early teenage years and sitting in with great masters such as Red Allen and Sidney Bechet. It covers his WWII experiences and the bebop years of the late 40’s and 50’s at the legendary Boston jazz clubs, the Hi-Hat and Storyville, where Vega performed with such legends as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Brown also explores Vega’s experiences with the music of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s including a unique musical venture with Boston Celtics’ K.C. Jones, “Satch” Sanders and Sam Jones and Vega’s creation of the famous vocal showcases that were so important to the careers of many singers.
– Courtesy of the CSSH Dean’s Office
