The impressive impresario Sheldon Kagan was a music powerhouse in Montreal for many decades and brought the city a variety of cultural icons for all to enjoy. I saw a post on his Facebook page about booking the great George Benson back in ’72 and thought it would be fun for you all to see. I will include the post’s blurb and an image of the contract and I thank Mr. Kagan for his commitment and dedication to making Montreal a hot-bed of music back in the day. He has since retired and seems to still be having the time of his life 🙂
“Excerpt from SHELDON KAGAN STORY
In 1971 and 1972, my career as a concert promoter experienced rapid growth. On December 12, 1971, I achieved a notable distinction by becoming the youngest person to present a show at Place des Arts, featuring the renowned jazz musicians Dizzy Gillespie and Gene Krupa. This accomplishment was succeeded by a range of high-profile shows, including The Glenn Miller Orchestra and comedian Jackie Mason on January 12, 1972, the George Benson trio and Woody Herman Big Band on January 30, 1972, Kenny Loggings and Jim Messina, Billy Preston, and Delaney and Bonnie on March 4, 1972, and Duke Ellington and his orchestra on December 16, 1972.”
source: – A very cool piece of Jazz Guitar History – Thank you Sheldon Kagan! 🙂
…
Thank you and your patronage and any help is greatly appreciated. if you would like to buy me a coffee that would be awesome Or if you prefer PayPal that would be awesome as well 🙂
Lyle Robinson is the owner/creator/publisher and editor of Jazz Guitar Life, an online magazine dedicated to the Jazz Guitar and its community of fine players worldwide.
