By Steven Norris
I did not expect my Friday morning to begin in tears. I awoke last Friday to learn about the passing of Mr. Jackie Thomas (Mr. T.), my high school jazz band director. Many of the readers of this column are likely aware of some of the work of Jackie Thomas. Think back to the last time that you heard Neil Diamond sing “Sweet Caroline.” If you were tempted to sing along with the chorus, “Sweet Caroline, bum-bum-bum!” Mr. T. was one of the trombonists in that horn section.
It is impossible to express the kind of impact Jackie Thomas had on his students. At least once in just about every Overton Jazz Band concert, he would look at me and hold out his hand. I knew that he was saying, “Give me your horn, Norris. I’m gonna take the next solo myself.” Before he played, he would lick that mouthpiece so vigorously I thought he would remove the silver plating. The first time I got it back, reeking of menthol smokes, I learned an important lesson: always bring an extra mouthpiece to the gig for Mr. T.
I remember vividly the night that we played for the opening of the National Civil Rights Museum at the historic Lorraine Motel in Memphis. He nodded in my direction, indicating that he wanted me to play a solo over a basic 12-bar blues rhythm. I stood, plunger in hand, and “found the pocket” for the first time. He was so excited! “Keep going!” he exclaimed. “Take another turn!” Almost 30 years later, I can still see the smile on his face, his palpable excitement, and the joy he felt watching me play that night.
I remember playing with him at the red carpet premiere of the film, “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” and sharing the stage at B.B. King’s blues club on Beale Street. I remember watching Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Band with him in New York City. I remember how, once a year (and only once), we would enter the jazz band room and the chalkboard would be filled with names — Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Dusty Springfield, The Box Tops, Al Green, Ronnie Milsap, B.J. Thomas, etc. — of all the people he had recorded with over the years. Mr. T. was one of the “first call” trombonists for Stax Records and the American Sound Studio in Memphis, TN. He was a teacher, but he had walked the walk as a premiere jazz musician in music-saturated town.
More than anything, he invested in me personally. He gave me lessons when I needed them, encouragement and mentoring, and lent his ear when I was having a rough day. Mentorship is at the heart of the life of faith. Elijah had Elisha. Paul had Timothy. Jesus had the twelve disciples. Who are you investing in? Who are you encouraging? Are you spending your time this week in such a way that in thirty years, someone will have tears in their eyes remembering how you made them feel like a real success for the first time in their life?