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Remember Me: Mary Lou Williams Tribute Jazz Performance at Kennedy Center

Fabu Phillis Carter and Jane Reynolds are set to showcase their program, “Remember Me: Mary Lou Williams in Poetry and Music,” at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as part of the 2025 Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. Carter, the City of Madison’s first African American Poet Laureate, and Reynolds, a respected jazz pianist, are both ardent admirers of Williams, a trailblazing figure in jazz history. Williams, a renowned pianist, composer, and educator, made significant contributions to jazz, influencing legendary artists like Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell.

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Performing at the Kennedy Center is a rare opportunity for Carter and Reynolds, who have previously presented their jazz-and-poetry program about Williams at various venues in Dane County. Williams, known for her innovative approach to jazz and her creation of “Sacred Jazz,” faced challenges in gaining recognition during her lifetime. Carter aims to shed light on Williams’ life and enduring legacy, emphasizing the importance of preserving her remarkable contributions to the genre.

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Williams, born in 1910 and passing away in 1981, left an indelible mark on jazz history, with her work spanning various styles and eras of the genre. In 2010, the Madison community commemorated Williams’ 100th birthday with a series of events organized by the Mary Lou Williams Centennial Committee, led by jazz advocate Howard Landsman. The celebration included a diverse range of concerts, educational programs, and artistic endeavors that highlighted Williams’ impact on American music and culture, engaging thousands of individuals.

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Following the successful celebration, Carter delved deeper into Williams’ life, conducting research, writing poetry, and even creating a coloring book to introduce young audiences to the jazz icon. Carter’s dedication to preserving Williams’ legacy led to her collaboration with Reynolds in presenting their jazz-and-poetry program at various venues, culminating in their upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center as part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival.

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Carter’s passion for honoring Williams’ legacy is evident in her commitment to sharing the jazz pioneer’s story through poetry and performance. The upcoming event at the Kennedy Center represents a significant milestone in Carter’s journey to celebrate Williams’ enduring influence on jazz music and culture.

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Through their performance at the Kennedy Center, Carter and Reynolds aim to pay tribute to Williams’ groundbreaking contributions to jazz, showcasing her enduring legacy and the impact she had on generations of musicians. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of Williams’ life and work, highlighting her innovative spirit and lasting influence on the world of jazz.

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As Carter and Reynolds prepare to take the stage at the Kennedy Center, their performance serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Mary Lou Williams, a pioneering figure in jazz history. Their program, blending poetry and music, offers a unique perspective on Williams’ life and contributions to the genre, ensuring that her legacy continues to resonate with audiences for years to come.

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