Apr 7, 2019
#125 Chuck Leavens from WZUM talks Pittsburgh Jazz
Pittsburgh has a rich history in Jazz, that I am embarrassed to
say that I didn’t know about until the past few years. In the 20’s
and 30’s we were a haven for artists and a blossoming ground for
talent that influenced jazz history around the city. It came from
New Orleans on the river boats with the first ever African American
Jazz band to travel North. It grew from there and seeped into the
souls of citizens in the town. Pittsburgh’s roots are intertwined
with Jazz legends like Lena Horn, Billy Strayhorn, and today with
roger Humpheries, Joe Negri, Thomas Wendt, Etta Cox and so many
more.
It is one of the reasons I wanted to feature Chuck Leavens on the
podcast. He is the voice and creator of WZUM
Pittsburgh’s Jazz Channel. He has a voice that could
cut through frozen butter with ease. His story is epic and
evolving. Proving once again that Pittsburgh houses some of the
most creative and interesting people I have had thenpleasure of
meeting in my life.
Learn about Chuck’s background in technology. (He became a master electrician by the age of 14) and all of his contributions to keeping music pubic to the people, by offering content that builds to make Pittsburgh community stronger and more intricate in it’s interests. WZUM is a non profit that is brought together by a handful of people that work out of their homes to provide you excellent Jazz. Let’s help keep it alive! Donate now!
