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George Wein | Show Song List
George Wein and Marian McPartland Boston native George Wein was born in 1925. He formally studied piano and began his first career, as a piano player, in his early teenage years.
Photo: RJ Capak
In 1950 he opened his own club, Storyville, and launched a record label of the same name. These latter events marked the beginning of his second career, as jazz impresario, and the one that had the biggest impact on the jazz scene.

In 1954 he founded the Newport Jazz Festival. In subsequent years he founded and guided the Newport Folk Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He has also played a key role in establishing international festivals, including the Grande Parade du Jazz at Nice.

Along with Norman Granz, George Wein is largely responsible for establishing jazz as an art form that demands a respectful setting and an attentive audience. Throughout his career he has upheld the highest presentation standards and has fought for the respect and remuneration that is properly due the jazz artist.

Wein's memoir, Myself Among Others, documents his life in jazz.

Set List for George Wein on Piano Jazz
  • Lady Be Good (G.Gershwin/I Gershwin)
  • Sophisticated Lady (E. K. Ellington/I. Mills)
  • Prelude To A Kiss (Ellington)
  • Play Fiddle Play (Altman/Deutsch/Lawrence)
  • It's Wonderful (G. Gershwin/I. Gershwin)
  • Just a Gigolo (J. Brammer/I.Caeser)
  • Portrait of George Wein (McPartland)
  • Take The A Train (Strayhorn)

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  • More information on George Wein

  • Newport Jazz Festival