Representative Albums: "The Detroit Jazz Tradition - Alive & Well," "This Is Me, J.C.," "Some of This, Some of That"
Biography
J.C. Heard was a very supportive drummer versatile enough to fit comfortably into swing, bop, and blues settings. He was in vaudeville shows as a dancer in his youth. Heard's first important job playing drums was with Teddy Wilson's big band in 1939. He later worked with Wilson's sextet, and with Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter. Heard was with Cab Calloway's Orchestra (1942-1945), recorded with top bop musicians, led his own band at Cafe Society (1946-1947), was a member of Erroll Garner's Trio (1948), and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic. During 1953-1957, he spent time in Japan and Australia; he freelanced in New York during 1957-1966 (including playing with the Coleman Hawkins-Roy Eldridge quintet and in 1961 with Teddy Wilson's Trio); and then, in 1966, J.C. Heard moved to Detroit, where he worked as a bandleader and a mentor to younger musicians into the mid-'80s. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
In 1946-47, he recorded with top bop musicians, led his own band at Cafe Society, was a member of Erroll Garner's trio, and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic. In the years 1953 through 1957, he spent time in Japan as a singer/entertainer, mentoring young Japanese singers and musicians like Yukimura Izumi, George Kawaguchi and Franky Sakai. During 1957-66 he freelanced in New York (playing with the Coleman Hawkins-Roy Eldridge Quintet and with Teddy Wilson's trio in 1961). In 1966 J.C. Heard moved to Detroit where he worked as a bandleader and a mentor to younger musicians into the mid-'80s.
