OHIO PLAYAS SERIES: THE AFRICAN AMERICANS GREATS

Ohio Playa's will be a series of the great musicians that came out of Ohio. The idea came about when me and comrade had a conversation about the greats that came out of Ohio that we have lost and forgotten about. African American's in Ohio have produced one of the best musicians that hit national and internationl in years past. This is to honor those that came before and laid the ground work so we can go back to see the creation to create a new future, new breed of musicians, a new sound that will come out of Ohio in near future. Today we are focusing on the center, Columbus, Ohio greats Nancy Wilson, Hank Marr, Rusty Bryany, Rashaan Roland Kirk, Stomp Gordon, The Four Mints and Bill Moss of Capsoul.

Nancy Wilson is Jazz Vocalist that grew up on the Hilltop (Westside of Columbus, Ohio) and graduated from West High School. She has recorded 70 albums, won three Grammys. The world knew here as "Sweet Nancy", "The Baby", "Fancy Miss Nancy", and "The Girl with the Honey Coated Voice". Here is one her many hits 'You Don't Know'.

Hank Marr was born January 30th, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Flytown, in the area we know know as 1-670 and the Area District. He learned to play the piano at a young age, and jammed with Roland Kirk, who became on the most saxophone players around the world. He was Jazz Organist and he set the standard for how Jazz music is played today around the world. He was a music teacher at The Ohio State University.  Here is 'Greasy Spoon' one of many smash hits.

Rusty Bryant was born in Huntington, West Virginia but was raised his life in Columbus, Ohio.  He played with Columbus greats Nancy Wilson, Hank Marr, and Stomp Gordon. He was Jazz Tenor and alto saxophonist. Listen to 'Fire Eater'.

Born August 7th, 1935, Rahsaan Roland Kirk is the baddest man to ever come out Columbus, Ohio. He played three saxophone, flute, and many other instruments simultaneously. He was blind at early age, and self taught himself to play all these instruments simultaneously. Listen to 'Volunteered Slavery'.

Stomp Gordon is Columbus, Ohio native that crowned himself "The King of Bop and Boogie". Didn't find out to much information on this brother but the music speaks for itself. Listen to 'Ride Superman Ride'.

The Four Mints is long and lost local band that didn't get national recogition but made a big impact in Columbus, Ohio. They were signed to Cap Soul Records, a local label owned by Bill Moss. Here is this mach hit 'You're My Desire'.

Bill Moss was the founder and owner of CapSoul Records here in Columbus, Ohio. He was local singer and DJ for the WVKO in Columbus, Ohio. Listen to 'Sock It To 'Em/Number One' by Bill Moss.