Jack crystal biography
Jack crystal biography
Jack crystal mississippi state!
NYU Tisch Renames Theater in Memory of Beloved Jazz Figure Jack Crystal, Father of Billy Crystal
From 1949 to 1963, Jack Crystal, manager of the famed Commodore Music Shop and Commodore Records executive, held legendary jazz concerts known as “The Sessions” at 111 Second Avenue.
Featured performers included Conrad Janis, Willie “The Lion” Smith, Hot Lips Page, Pee Wee Russell, Roy Eldridge, and Billie Holiday. He was one of the first producers to integrate bands and was lovingly referred to as the “The Branch Rickey of Jazz.” Commodore Records was a true pioneer in jazz recordings, with a notable catalog including Billie Holiday’s groundbreaking and timeless “Strange Fruit.” It was at 111 Second Avenue that five-year old Billy first took to the stage to entertain an audience, launching a lifelong career in entertainment.
In 1968, the same building became the first home to the School of the Arts where Crystal studied Film & TV, receiving his BFA in 1970.