Joey Grihalva

When the iconic Jazz Estate was set to reopen in 2016, writer Joey Grihalva was tasked with a straightforward article on Milwaukee jazz. This simple assignment took Grihalva on a jazz odyssey in his hometown. He soon learned about local luminaries Loretta Whyte, Jabbo Smith, Woody Herman, Bernie Young, Scat Johnson, Al Jarreau, Manty Ellis, Berkeley Fudge, Brian Lynch, and more. Drawing on interviews with musicians, club owners, scenesters, and journalists, along with images from personal...See more

When the iconic Jazz Estate was set to reopen in 2016, writer Joey Grihalva was tasked with a straightforward article on Milwaukee jazz. This simple assignment took Grihalva on a jazz odyssey in his hometown. He soon learned about local luminaries Loretta Whyte, Jabbo Smith, Woody Herman, Bernie Young, Scat Johnson, Al Jarreau, Manty Ellis, Berkeley Fudge, Brian Lynch, and more. Drawing on interviews with musicians, club owners, scenesters, and journalists, along with images from personal collections, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, Grihalva opens a window into the beautiful, magical history of jazz in Milwaukee. See less