Jean Kittrell

Jean Kittrell, a highly influential pianist and vocalist renowned for her contributions to traditional jazz, was born on June 27, 1927, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her exceptional career spanned numerous decades, leaving an enduring imprint on the world of jazz. From an early age, Kittrell displayed a deep affinity for music, particularly the piano, which she played in her Southern Baptist church during her youth. In the late 1950s, Kittrell's journey into the world of jazz took flight when she joined traditional jazz groups. Her innate talent and passion for music soon garnered her recognition, and she became an integral part of various jazz ensembles. One of her significant collaborations was with trumpeter Ed Kittrell, her husband, and together they embarked on a musical journey that would define her career. The couple played in groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Jass Band, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Chicago Stompers, further solidifying their presence in the jazz scene. The Kittrells relocated to Southern Illinois in the mid-1960s, settling first in Murphysboro and later in Edwardsville. Jean Kittrell ventured into solo performances, making her debut as a solo act at the Old Levee House on the riverfront in St. Louis during the late 1960s. Her charismatic stage presence and exceptional musical prowess quickly earned her a devoted following. Not content with being solely a performer, Jean Kittrell was also an educator. In 1973, she earned her Ph.D. in 20th-century British Literature from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She went on to teach at SIU-Edwardsville for a decade while continuing her musical career. Her dedication to both education and music exemplified her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to her craft. Throughout her career, Jean Kittrell performed with various groups, including the Mississippi Mudcats Jazz Band and the Boll Weevil Jass Band in the early 1970s. From the mid-1970s onward, she collaborated with the Jazz Incredibles, the St. Louis Rivermen, and the Old St. Louis Levee Band, delighting audiences in the St. Louis area and beyond. One of her notable performances was aboard the Robert E. Lee steamboat, where she shared the stage with these groups, captivating audiences with their jazz renditions. Her memorable appearances at jazz festivals in Europe and Asia, including the Breda Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, further expanded her global influence. Jean Kittrell's performances were characterized by a unique blend of musicality, storytelling, and humor. Her repertoire ranged from classic jazz to traditional Dixieland jazz, blues, marches, ragtime, spirituals, and swing. Her music was a testament to her deep understanding of jazz's roots, from the syncopations rooted in African rhythms to the vibrant sounds of New Orleans. Her interpretations were often spirited, conveying both intellectual depth and a lighthearted approach to music. In recognition of her significant contributions to jazz, Jean Kittrell received the "Great Ladies of Jazz" award from the Directors of the Sun Valley Swing 'n' Dixie Jazz Jamboree in 1998. Her impact on the jazz community was immeasurable, and her performances were cherished by audiences worldwide. In July of 2008, health issues necessitated Jean Kittrell's retirement from her roles as a pianist and leader of three jazz bands. Despite this, her legacy lives on, and her music continues to inspire and captivate jazz enthusiasts. Jean Kittrell's passing on August 14, 2018, marked the end of an era, but her enduring influence on the world of traditional jazz ensures that her memory will be celebrated for generations to come.