Wilby was my friend!
When Jazz On My Mind arrrived on the east coast from Los Angeles June 2009, we we looking for the best jazz musicians for our viewers in our quest to go coast to coast. In Wilmington Delaware we found such a group, The Alfie Moss-Dexter Koonce Project www.alfiemoss-dexterkoonceproject.com.  This group is so tremendous I call them 'the heart and soul of jazz' on the east coast. They feature Alfie on vocals, Dexter on keyboard and guitar, Charles Beasly on bass and one of the greatest drummers ever to pick up a set of sticks, Wilby Fletcher on drums. You can see their performances and interview in our video section. As I continue to pen this story it is very hard for me to control my emotions. On Thursday, October 15, I talked about him all day long. I spoke about was how great a drummer Wilby is. I had a very insightful and special interview with Wilby in September which you must see. It also is in our video section.Then late Thursday night I received a call fron Dexter Koonce telling me Wilby was no longer on this earth. He had passed on to his next life with our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. It took a few moments to click- I had talked about this man all day, I was looking foward to announcing Alfie and Dexter's band with Wilby on Saturday in Rehobeth Beach. You see I am now their master of ceromonies. I love them as entertainers and people, and even though I knew him only 3 months, I knew Wilby was my friend. During times without the band, we would see each other in the city and talk jazz. We would call each other and talk jazz. Wilby knew jazz. and belive me jazz will miss Wilby. Of course we did not know our interview would be his last, and to me it will be one of my most treasured. Wilby my friend, I miss you, but you will always live on Jazz On My MInd.com. Let us all pray for strenght for his family and lets continue to pray for each other,"you dig". Rest in peace brother Wilby
Thank you and God bless


Richard F. Blackwell

The Store Is Now Open

The Store Is Now Open

That's right ladies and gentleman, the Jazz On My Mind online store is now open for business. This store was put together with each one of you in mind. We have short sleeve, long sleeve, and hooded shirts available with the brand new Jazz On My Mind logo,designed by 'Charlynn'. The apparel is designed for both men and women and we are sure you will love this new attire and logo. Just click on "Apparel" on the home page and shop til your fingers drop. These new items will also make a wonderful gift for the other jazz lovers in your life. There is even a very sturdy tote bag available. Believe me, if you love jazz, you will love wearing one of these stylish items. You can wear it to the next concert or anywhere. Be proud of your music and your culture by letting everyone know, you've got Jazz On Your Mind. Go ahead and order one or several today. It's the hottest thing in the land of JAZZ. So the next time someone asks what are you have on, you can simply say, I've got JAZZ ON MY MINDwww.jazzonmymind.com.

Thank You and God bless,

Richard F. Blackwell

'Poetry Jazz'

I call It 'Poetry Jazz' 

I am sure you the viewers of Jazz On My Mind are aware there are several degrees of jazz. Lets see, there is your traditional jazz, classical jazz, latin jazz, swing jazz, soul jazz and fusion jazz. On September 18, I discovered a new one for the books and I am calling it, ' Poetry Jazz '.  I attended a program in Wilmington Delaware hosted by Ms. Franshone Roberts, a dynamic and talented young lady who is putting on has these wonderful cultural, musical shows. Franshone is not only a heady businesswoman, she also has written some outstanding poetry. Her reading of these meaningful, thoughtout words are a big part of her life and her delivery is magnificent. Put them with some  great jazz and you got it, 'Poetry Jazz'. The jazz was provided by Wilmington's own, Element, lead by Curt Johnson of 'C Major' recording.  Music was also performed by 'Soul Selby',' Suite 215', 'Devja', and the very soulful jazz vocalist Rita Dee, who sang her soon to be released single 'You Can Not Live By Lust'.  Rita Dee has been featured on this website and will be back very soon. Poetry  was also delivered by Marni Williams and Poet Shahidah. Stay tuned because Franshon will be back with another entertaining evening and you will hear about it right  here on 'Jazz On My Mind'.  'Poetry Jazz',  I like that and you will too. We wish you the best Franshon.