Larry Ridley
Larry Ridley, born in 1937, was enthusiastic towards music education, more specifically, jazz education.He studied at Indiana University and the Lenox School of Jazz, and graduated with degree of Bachelor of Science, Music Education.As a professional bassist and music educator, Larry Ridley marked his name on numerous rewards of music education including:
- Down Beat Magazine Jazz Education Hall of Fame
- International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame, NYC Convention
Although there are not much written biography of him online, we were still able to discover his relationship with Thelonious Monk, the founder of the Thelonious Monk Institute:
Appeared in numerous occasions as a sideman and accompanist, Larry Ridley shows his characteristics of thoughtfulness, devoting with full heart and farsight of the future of the jazz education in the interview with Professor Monk Rowe, featured in the Fillius Jazz Archive. He talked about culture and root of jazz education, integrating jazz into acadamia, and accepting students regardless their race during the interview.Thelonious Monk's regular bassist during 1970-1973, Ridley became involved in jazz education, heading the jazz program and music department at Rutgers. He worked with Philly Joe Jones' Dameronia (1981-1985) and has been active up until the present time. Larry Ridley only recorded sparingly as a leader (including an obscure Strata East LP in 1975), but he has been a valuable sideman on many dates.
Sources:
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/larry-ridley-mn0000110328/biography
http://contentdm6.hamilton.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/jazz/id/1219/rec/1
