Celebrating Lee Morgan and the Legacy of Jazz in Philadelphia

Senator Hughes joined All That Philly Jazz and Philly community members for a beautiful ceremony to celebrate the historical marker unveiling for jazz great Lee Morgan!

Lee Morgan was born in Philadelphia and grew to prominence as a jazz trumpeter and composer in his late teens. He recorded with other jazz legends including John Coltrane, Curtis Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie, Hank Mobley, and Wayne Shorter. His final hometown performance was on “the Strip” at the Aqua Lounge, at 52nd and Chancellor Streets, where the historical marker was installed.

The ceremony was planned by Faye Anderson, director of All That Philly Jazz and included a special appearance by jazz legend Billy Harper, who played in Morgan’s last group before the jazz great died in 1972.

On the historical marker unveiling, Faye explained, “The historical marker begins to tell the full Lee Morgan story that will inspire current and future generations.”

Senator Hughes is a big jazz lover himself and was honored to participate in the ceremony for Mr. Lee Morgan!