Sam…A Man of
Music, Family, and Community.
Samuel F. Favors was
a multitalented musician as an arranger, composer, instrumentalist, and singer
from Chicago, IL who loved Jazz. He loved
to play it, loved to sing it, and loved to teach it. He personified a true artist, he worked when
he played and played when he worked. Sam
wanted Jazz to be shared, understood, and passed on to our children to continue
the cultural journey of the creative inheritance brought to and developed in America and shared with the world.
After moving his
family to Minneapolis, Sam coordinated the Musician Creative Guild
Jazz Workshops that included amateur and professional performers in the
metropolitan Twin Cities. Great
international jazz musicians such as Chico Hamilton, James Moody, and Terry
Lewis visited and played at the workshops.
He worked tirelessly to engage people of all ages, communities and walks
of life to participate in the enjoyment of hearing and performing Jazz. He
loved to create opportunities for people to experience great music and
socialize with artists who perform the art of Jazz around the world and in our
own neighborhoods.
Sam felt the need to
showcase talented African American musicians in the Minneapolis/St Paul areas,
educate the general public about the cultural origins of Jazz, and bring Jazz
to family centered audiences. He
envisioned the Freedom Jazz Festival as a learning experience of expression; an
endorsement of talent, and an instrument to give Black musicians their
“props”. Sam was concerned that African
Americans, especially our youth were loosing their connection to their musical
culture. He believed, “Our culture and
history is in Jazz music”.
On January
15, 2002, Sam passed
away suddenly from multiple Myeloma, leaving a void in our hearts and the Jazz
community in Minnesota.
Musicians dedicated their talents and time at the 2002 and later
festivals as a moving tribute to Sam.
Through his dedication and love, we know that Sam is always here giving
his blessings for the future success of the Freedom Jazz Festival.
We miss you Sam!
