Biography
U.S. Congressional Award Citation
Alaadeen has been formally recognized as both, a performing artist of the highest caliber, and as an important contributor to his community in many significant ways. He has also contributed positively in many areas of the arts throughout the years. Following is the actual text from the US Congressional Record which outlines his Congressional Award, along with some related photographs. Alaadeen appreciates this kind and sincere recognition he has received from the United States government that acknowledges his efforts during this particular portion of his professional career.
United States Congressional Record
US House of Representatives
Honoring Alaadeen
The Honorable Karen McCarthy
October 12, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Missouri Humanities Council’s selection of the recipients for the 2000 Governor’s Humanities Awards. Mr. Alaadeen, a prominent recording artist in my district, is the recipient of the Community Heritage Award for his dedication to his Kansas City Jazz heritage. Since 1917, Kansas City musicians have fostered and developed the well known sounds of blues, bebop and swing. Alaadeen was born in 1934 and raised in the historic 18th & Vine music District. In his youth he cultivated a love for the music that resonated from the Mutual Musicians Foundation. The distinctive sound of Jazz Masters like Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Jay McShann became part of the persona of Alaadeen’s saxophone playing.
The music industry has recognized Mr. Alaadeen for his award winning compositions and fellow musicians have christened him “Professor”. Many refer to him as the reigning master of Kansas City music. In the 1970’s he became aware that Kansas City Jazz was becoming stagnant. In an effort to revitalize and perpetuate the sound of Kansas City Jazz, he developed a mentor program. The program provides apprentice musicians the opportunity to perform with his band as paid professionals while developing their own unique style. He encourages local and visiting jazz masters to do the same. One of his goals is to develop an individual into a musician as opposed to a programmed performer. Young musicians who are exposed to his talents gain an intense understanding of Jazz. His work is paying dividends in the development of talented musicians like Logan Richardson, Tim Whitmer, Gerald Dunn and Charles Perkins.
Mr. Alaadeen developed an historical documentary of video and audio recordings to share the story of the originators and continuing evolution of Kansas City Jazz. The first audio release, “Tradin’ 4s”, featured the originators of the Kansas City style with music from many of the pioneers of Jazz including Henry Hoard, Wallace Jones and Pearl Thuston. “On the Cusp”, was the first video produced by Alaadeen Enterprises, Inc. and focused on his generation, known as the transition generation. The video showcases the generation that mastered the jazz sound by learning the trade orally. The video features the music and style of Luqman Hamza, the late Frank Smith, Sonny Kenner, Russ Long and Alaadeen.
Mr. Alaadeen is the present Chairman of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. The Foundation is known for its commitment to the promotion and development of Kansas City Jazz. Music enthusiast love the late night jam sessions that swing with today’s Jazz masters. Musicians like Jay McShann, Claude “Fiddler Williams and Pat Metheny are favorite sons in Kansas City. Mr. Alaadeen’s concerts provide an educational musical experience that fosters appreciation and enlightens the listener.
Inscribed on the wall of the Kansas City High School for the Arts is a quotation from Mr. Alaadeen. It reads, “Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift America has given the world.” Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the man who has revitalized our music community and introduced a new generation to the sweet sounds of Kansas City Jazz. The great state of Missouri understands the importance of his humanitarian efforts and distinguishes his effort by presenting him with the Governor’s 2000 Community Heritage Award.
Congressional Record:
October 13, 2000 (Extensions)
[Page E1781-E1782]
From the Congressional Record Online
[ via GPO Access ]
[DOCID:cr13oc00-48]