Jimmy Cleveland Pathways Marker

Jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, born in Wartrace, Tennessee, was a versatile musician who backed Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, James Brown, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and others. His fluency and precision on the valve trombone along with his warm tone and rich blues feel made him in demand for decades. Some of his notable work includes playing with the Tennessee State University band at New York's Carnegie Hall; his recording debut with Lionel Hampton in 1950; played in the pit orchestra for Funny Girl when Barbra Streisand held the lead; and, played in the house band on The Merv Griffin Show from 1969-1977.