Detroit Jazz Festival Celebrating 40 Years in ‘Jazz Mecca’

Detroit’s history is rich with jazz music and culture, and those melodies played a major role in shaping the Motown Sound, says jazz professor Chris Collins.

Jake Neher/WDET

Detroit’s history is rich with jazz music and culture, and those melodies and stylistic qualities played a major role in shaping what became known as the Motown Sound.

Chris Collins is a jazz saxophonist, professor at Wayne State University, and president of the Detroit Jazz Festival. He’s been looking into the history of jazz in Detroit and how its contribution to popular music. 

Collins speaks with Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson about Detroit’s jazz legacy and what’s on tap for this Labor Day weekend as the Detroit Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th year.

Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation. 

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.