Unearthed & Unforgettable: The Lost Tapes of Just Jazz

Rediscovering Just Jazz: A Lost Archive of Jazz Legends Returns

Unearthed after more than 50 years, the Just Jazz video archives represent one of the most significant rediscoveries in jazz history. Produced by NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern and originally broadcast in 1970 on WTTW Chicago, these rare recordings capture intimate, electrifying performances by some of the most influential jazz artists of the 20th century—performances that were long presumed lost.

I uncovered this archival treasure while serving as the 2019 Morroe Berger—Benny Carter—Edward Berger Jazz Research Fellow at Rutgers University's Institute of Jazz Studies. Working through more than 60 boxes of uncatalogued material from the Dan Morgenstern Collection, I brought these iconic performances to light, digitizing and curating a visual archive for new generations of jazz scholars and fans.

Highlights from the Rediscovered Archive

• The only known televised appearance of Gene Ammons.
• The final TV performance of Dexter Gordon.
• The only U.S. TV appearance of expatriate tenorist Don Byas.
• Rare performances by Billy Eckstine, Erroll Garner, Ray Nance, Bobby Hackett, Art Hodes, and more.

Critical Acclaim from Jazz Historians

These rediscoveries have made waves across the jazz research world. Esteemed critics and historians have praised the archive's cultural and scholarly importance:

"Absolutely fascinating and unique archive!... Hank Hehmsoth has been unearthing major finds from the Dan Morgenstern collection at IJS that he is collecting at Texas State University." —Loren Schoenberg, National Jazz Museum in Harlem

"Hank, This is truly amazing! I had no inkling of this and after catching my breath am of course delighted and flattered. Amazed at what you've uncovered... what you already have gathered is astonishing!" —Dan Morgenstern, NEA Jazz Master and series producer (1929-2024)

"Well, here's a manna-from-heaven moment for admirers of Gene Ammons, in fine form on this 12-minute clip of a 1970 TV show titled 'Just Jazz.'" —Ted Panken, contributor to DownBeat, JazzTimes, and Jazziz.

"MY MAIN MAN!!!! I LOVE THIS!!!! This makes me so frickin' HAPPY Thanks for making my month Dan Morgenstern and Hank Hehmsoth—this brought me so much joy. Truly grateful." —Doug Lawrence, lead tenor sax, Count Basie Orchestra

Archival Performances of Note

• Gene Ammons appears with a rich 12-minute performance that showcases his blues-drenched sound in rare form.
• Dexter Gordon's appearance is his final televised performance. The 1970 broadcast includes a memorable quote from "Would You Like to Swing on a Star?"—a moment of humor and introspection frozen in time.
• Don Byas, long celebrated in Europe, is featured here in his only known U.S. television appearance alongside pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Wilbur Campbell.

The Garner Effect

In his Grammy-winning essay, Morgenstern wrote: "Erroll Garner was a phenomenon. He didn't sing, dance or tell jokes. He never said a word when he performed. All he did was play the piano. Yet he captured the hearts and minds of millions... "

Now, thanks to this rediscovery, that energy can be experienced again in vivid motion, with Garner joined by Ernest McCarty (bass), Jose Mangual, Sr. (congas), and William English (drums).

A Living Archive for the Jazz Community

These performances aren't just historic—they're alive. They offer visceral, unrehearsed glimpses of giants at play, preserved for new generations of musicians and researchers. For me, this rediscovery is a continuation of his lifelong passion for linking sound and scholarship, and of making jazz's past newly present.

Experience the Series: YouTube Playlist

To explore the full series, check out this curated YouTube playlist featuring all 12 videos.

Pro Tip for Navigating the Playlist

At the top right corner of the video, you'll notice a small selector that says "1/12." Click on this to choose any of the 12 videos in the playlist and explore specific artists or segments from the series.

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