“A Tribute to King Pleasure” Jazz Concert Hosted in Rockwood, Tennessee

ROCKWOOD, Tenn. – The Morgan County Tourism Alliance presents “A Tribute to King Pleasure Jazz Concert 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Papaw’s Opry Barn and Theater, 3549 Airport Road, Pine Orchard, TN.

Specialty hors d’oeuvres, dessert, a wine tasting by Highland Manor Winery and The Winery at Seven Springs and almond tea will be prepared for concert guests to enjoy. Tickets for the wine tasting are $85 and include a commemorative wine glass.

For tickets and more information, visit www.kingpleasureconcert.eventbrite.com.

Bill Landry of The Heartland Series will present an original commissioned video honoring Clarence Beeks, followed by a set of King Pleasure’s most memorable songs performed by the Pleasure Cookers Orchestra.

King Pleasure was born at Oakdale, Tennessee and lived there with his parents until he was seven years old. As an adult, he moved to New York City in the mid-1940s, worked as a bartender and became a fan of bebop music. King Pleasure was known for introducing Vocalese to jazz music. He first became popular by singing the Eddie Jefferson classic "Moody's Mood for Love," based on a 1949 James Moody saxophone solo to "I'm in the Mood for Love.” Pleasure has been cited as a significant influence by Van Morrison.

Kelle Jolly, well-known Knoxville jazz host and entertainer, will Emcee the concert and perform ukulele jazz.

The Pleasure Cookers Jazz Orchestra is composed of many of The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and all are premier jazz musicians.

Music selections will highlight the successive eras of jazz. Themed costume attire is welcome.

For more information, contact Linda Brooks Jones, Morgan County Tourism Alliance chair, 423-628-5252.

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