Milt Hinton, also known as the "Dean of Jazz Bassists" has become a legend in American music. Milt's career started in Chicago in the era of Al Capone and included work with virtually every major jazz artist, including Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Hank Jones and Joe Williams. After years on the road be became part of the "New York Rhythm Section" and recorded constantly with countless jazz and popular music artists. It has been estimated that Milt performed on 500 jazz albums and an equal number in the pop field. His photographs of fellow jazz musicians have been shown in exhibits across the country and can be seen in his book "Bass Line." Milt received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from Hamilton College in the early 90's.
Mona and Milt were clearly the jazz world's most beloved couple. Mona helped direct the marvelous career of her husband Milt, and acted as a business advisor to Count Basie as well as music contractor for Lena Horne, Quincy Jones and Sammy Davis. Along the way, Mona received a Master's Degree in Education, while serving as a support system for many struggling jazz artists in New York City. Countless musicians relate how they were welcomed into the Hinton's home in Queens for a meal, a bass lesson or just some much needed encouragement. It was Mona who took the memorable 35mm movies at the famous 1959 Esquire jazz photo shoot. This film later became the basis for Jean Bach's film documentary, "A Great Day in Harlem."
Many of the interviews we gathered were done at jazz parties around the country. I witnessed a similar scene at every event that the Hintons were invited to, which was almost all of them. It always seemed like there was a crowd around them. There are certain people who have an unidentifiable quality that makes you want to be near them. You feel better after talking to them, and you hope that you can learn to negotiate your way through life in some similar fashion. With Milt and Mona, I think of it as the ultimate in class and this tune ("Jazz Class") came to me shortly after Milt's interview which was conducted by Joe Williams. It starts as a conversation between two instruments (one being the bass of course). They also have the last word.
On December 19, 2000, at the age of 90, Milt "The Judge" Hinton passed away after a long illness. The jazz community mourns the passing of this irreplacable musician, teacher, photographer and mentor.