Two Greats: Jazz and Wine
Jazz music and Tennessee wine go together like peas and carrots, except better! Especially when the jazz is that of legendary vocalist Clarence Beeker, “King Pleasure,” born in Oakdale, Tennessee (Morgan County) in 1922. In the 1940s he moved to New York City and worked as a bartender, where he became a fan of bebop music.
He first rose to popularity with the Eddie Jefferson vacalese classic “Moody’s Mood for Love,” which was based on a James Moody saxophone solo “I’m in the Mood for Love.” King Pleasure signed with the Prestige label and went on to sing classics like Red Top, Parker’s Mood, and Swan Blues.
Morgan County is saluting King Pleasure Saturday, Sept. 9, in wine-and-jazz event: “A Tribute to King Pleasure: Bringing Pleasure Back to the People.” Knoxville Jazz artist Kelle Jolly is performing King Pleasure’s music, and she’s a treat you don’t want to miss!
