Monday, March 28, 2011

Stamps and All That Jazz


To celebrate America’s musical gift to the world, on Saturday the U.S. Postal Service issued the Jazz Appreciation Forever stamp during a ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, LA.

Inspired by vintage jazz record-album covers, Pasadena, CA, artist Paul Rogers captured the eclectic nature of jazz music and the spontaneity and improvisation of jazz artists in creating the art for the stamp.

“With this evocative Jazz Appreciation stamp, we celebrate the music and the musicians who play it in studios, clubs and concert halls and on festival stages,” said Thurgood Marshall Jr., Vice Chairman, Board of Governors. “I can’t think of a more perfect place to dedicate this new stamp than here in New Orleans, the birthplace of so many legendary jazz performers and the place where jazz first flowered near the dawn of the 20th century.”

Marshall added jazz is a pastime that brings people together, regardless of race, ethnicity or background.

“It’s a lot like the Postal Service, which has been bringing people together for more than 235 years, through the power of the mail,” he said.

Joining Marshall and Rogers at the dedication ceremony were Guy Cottrell, Chief Postal Inspector; Nancy Marinovic, President, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation; Shamarr Allen, leader of the funk band Underdawgs; and Louisiana District Manager Jeffery Taylor.

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