Every Sunday afternoon during the 3-6 p.m. timeslot, music enthusiasts in Atlanta could tune into WCLK to hear Jay Edwards showcase the genre he loved and celebrated – Jazz. Considered an ardent Jazz curator and an art lover, during his more than 20-year stint at WCLK, Edwards amassed a loyal following who regularly tuned into Jazz Tones, a show he hosted on Sundays that he often turned into a talk studio to interview hundreds of Jazz musicians who had recently released new music or were about to go on tour.
Some of the personalities he interviewed included Etienne Charles, Joey Alexander, Ted Nash, Stefon Harris, Kevin Bales, Mark Winkler, David Sanchez, Joe Jennings, Cheryl Benteen, Alan Harris, Lao Tizer, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Michelle Coltrane, Don Was, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, Christian Sands, Eddie Palmieri, Carmen Lundy, Vijay Iyer, George Cables, Steve Turre, Azar Lawrence, Freddy Cole, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Arturo Sandoval, Christian McBride, Allan Toussaint, Lenny White, Joe Chambers, Ahmad Jamal, Wayne Shorter, Earl Klugh, Jonathon Butler, and Amiri Baraka.
Edwards’ commitment to spreading the gospel of Jazz went beyond the airwaves. When hosting chats at venues across Atlanta or hosting Jazz stages during the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Edwards brought his own brand of energy, vitality, and spirit when representing the station as a Jazz educator.
A passionate professional who understood the importance of networking and maintaining relationships, Edwards, who frequently attended the Jazz Education Network conference, nurtured his contacts at Jazz labels and journals in order to ensure WCLK’s Jazz library was on point and well-serviced.
Edwards was a highly-respected, consummate broadcaster who was valued by his colleagues. Wendy Williams, general manager at WCLK, called Edwards a “Jazz of all Trades.” WCLK Program Director David Linton called Edwards an “Elder Statesmen of Jazz.”
John “Jay” Edwards passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember John ‘Jay’ Edwards so others don’t forget. #livinglegendsfoundation30 #blackmusicmonth #culturecreator #rootedinblackmusic