What Ellis Marsalis did for Memphis jazz
Guest Columnist
John Bass
John Bass is the director of the Mike Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes College. He researches and teaches about Memphis music, and performs as a guitarist.
By taking a chance on playing a concert at Rhodes College, Marsalis gave the Curb Institute credibility and paved the way for appearances by George Coleman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Harold Mabern and Charles Lloyd.