NEW YORK — Newport Jazz Festival Founder George Wein was singing the blues just hours before turning 90 on Saturday.

On the eve of his 90th birthday, Wein took the stage Friday night at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center to play piano and sing an original blues he had written for the occasion.

“I’m going down to Dizzy’s to enjoy the last day of my 89 …” he belted in a strong voice. “I’ve got the jazz to keep me going, as long as I can keep the beat.”

JALC Director of Programming Jason Olaine opened the festivities by thanking Wein “for everything he’s done for this music over the many, many years” from creating the first outdoor jazz festival in 1954 that became a model for similar events worldwide.

The pianist-turned-impresario from Boston was then feted by musicians who had played with him many times as the Newport All-Stars. The set list drew heavily from Duke Ellington.

“As long as my mind stays young, my body I can handle,” Wein said in an interview.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.