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Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:09PM EDT
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MAMA JAZZ
For more than 20 years, Mama
Jazz and WMUB have brought listeners a classic combination of traditional and
contemporary jazz every weeknight. Mama, or Phyllis Campbell as she's
known around the studios, recently celebrated her 75th birthday -- and she
doesn't show any sign of slowing down any time soon. A continuous favorite
of listeners, Mama's unique voice and inexhaustible knowledge of jazz are
available only on WMUB.
Tune in every weeknight from 8pm
to 11pm, and drop Mama a line at
mamajazz@yahoo.com.
Jazz Advocates is a
Miami Valley-based group that supports jazz in all its forms, especially the
kind of traditional jazz you hear every Tuesday night on Mama Jazz. Ron Gable
and his associates have been working hard to educate audiences and promote jazz
in our area. We salute them and encourage you to visit
their web site.
Photos from Mama's 80th Birthday Bash (May 13, 2002)
Click to enlarge
Sally Southard and Mama |
Mama and Ann Taulbee |
Family members
great-granddaughter Jayna Lee, granddaughter Erica Gordon, daughter Jane
Gordon, Mama, and her husband Bill Campbell |
Mama and former Student Board Operator Eric Stauffer (Miami '01) |
Mildred Overton and Mae
Jessup |
Part of the Mama Jazz Fan Club |
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Elise from Richmond has
been listening since she was 4 years old
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Memories of Mama Jazz
To add yours to our list,
click here.
Mama is the greatest living treasure
Probably like most
people, I have about 5 to 10 key role models...a couple of relatives; maybe a
neighbor, teacher, colleague, friend, supervisor, celebrity, political leader,
and so on. Two of my role models have similar characteristics...Mama Jazz and
the late Harry Carey. As a child in Missouri, I grew up with Harry Carey and
the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio. Not only did the USA's greatest ever radio
play-by-play baseball broadcaster know the game and the players, more
importantly he was a FAN! About the only person I can think of who is as sincere
and dedicated of a fan is MAMA JAZZ!
As a bass player between jobs (but not giving up my day job until retirement in
about ten years), I enjoy Mama's music and occasionally go to the basement and
play along. Tuesday night is my favorite, but the other three are great too. The
interviews, the insight beyond the liner notes, the guests, the interaction with
the youthful board operators, the specials (especially Thanksgiving phone-ins
and with the Talawanda Jazz band), are all wonderful.
The first several years I was in Oxford, every time I walked through Roudebush
Hall, I would usually see Phyllis Campbell at her desk...As a FAN of classic,
big band, swing, top-notch small-combo jazz, Mama Jazz
is the greatest living treasure of this area (and 88.5 covers many
square miles, especially now live around the planet on the web).
-- Joe Leonard, Oxford (7/9/02)
A pleasure to know someone like Mama
This is from Sarah's
grandmother and Sarah. Thank you so much for inviting us to your 80th birthday
party, it was really nice. I'm so glad to see people express their love and
respect for you while you are able to appreciate it. I want to personaly thank
for including Sarah. She enjoyed what she could, because she is autisic she has
trouble being in big crowds, but we stayed as long as we could. A lot of people
do not understand what it is not to be normal, but you accepted Sarah just the
way she is and I thank you and love you and Sarah blew you a kiss on stage too.
May God continue to keep you and bless you and you continue to make a difference
in people's lives. WE love you at church and Sarah loves the Lord and she loves
music.It's been a pleasure to know a person like you.
-- Marvel Hurston and Sarah Jouett, Oxford (6/7/02)
The Bishop Belles and the coolest of all DJ's
In the spring of '96,
some of my friends and I gathered in my dorm room in Bishop hall to drink tea
and listen to Mama Jazz one Thursday night. We liked it so much, that upon
returning to campus that fall, we made it a weekly tradition to gather and
listen to Mama. One Thursday night, early in the semester, we decided that
we should let her know that we were listening, and called the station to talk to
her.
When Mama Jazz got on the phone, we told her how much a part of our evenings she
was, and that we thought she was the coolest of all dj's. We told her
that we were the Bishop Belles, and asked her to play a song for us. I don't
remember what she chose, but it was wonderful. (I think it was Count Basie) We
got in the habit of calling every week, just to say hello. Just before
Thanksgiving, Mama invited us to come to the studio for an evening. Naturally,
we accepted, and packed up all of our tea, mugs, and coffee for the trip to the
studio. Meeting Mama Jazz was pretty special- it was a night that all eleven of
us will all cherish for many years. Our group still gets together for reunions,
and I know that we would never have become a group if Mama Jazz had not been on
the radio. Thanks, Mama!
-- Virginia Howell '97, Durham, NC (5/13/02)
Another Belle
Mama was an inspiration to us
all. I am one of eleven
Miami grads dubbed "the Bishop Belles" by Mama in the late '90's. We used to
gather on Thursday nights to drink coffee, listen to WMUB, and gather strength
from music and one another. We would call Mama weekly and sometimes even come to
the studio to help with Phone-a-thons or share air time. This tradition turned
into an inseparable group of women who are now scattered across the country. We
have reunions once every two years, and Mama is never far from our thoughts.
Thank you, Mama Jazz, our muse, from the ever-grateful Bishop Belles; happy 80th
birthday!
-- Michele Feige '99, Columbus (5/14/02)
Hoosier finds home away from home
I lived for several years
in Muncie, and got my BS at Ball State. You know the old saying (slightly
modified), you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can't take Indiana out
of the girl. When I finally got DSL. I was able to listen to Mama once again.
The first time I heard her talk about Miami University and Oxford, I burst into
joyful tears. I felt like I had found my home away from home. Now, I sew
my quilts almost every evening while Mama spins her majic. Thanks, so much Mama!
-- Wanda Kruse, Kirkwood, MO (5/13/02)
¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
I was planning to be
there at your party tonight, but I am sick. My wife Jennifer and I are listening
to your special and deserved party.
I remember a few years ago when I met you at the waiting room of the Intensive
Care Unit at Sycamore Hospital. I was visiting with families there. I started to
get to know Mama's family, but at first I did not know who she was. When I was
getting to know the people and where their home town was, Mama said that she was
from Oxford, OH. I replied that the only thing I knew about Oxford was the
Public Radio Station there. I told her that I listened to that radio station and
that I love jazz. Mama looked at me, smiled and said, "Guess who am I?" The
voice sounded familiar to me. I started to think for too long and mama looked at
me and said: " I'm Mama Jazz!" I was so delighted to get to know her. That night
Mama played a few favorite songs of mine and one of them was "The girl from
Ipanema."
I always enjoy her music on the radio, mama's great sense of humor and her
laughter. Happy Birthday Mama Jazz! ¡Feliz Cumpleaños!
-- Raul Concha, Chaplain, Sycamore Hospital, Miamisburg (5/13/02)
Great contribution
Hi Mama:
My wife, Leslie, and I were there last night for the wonderful Birthday Party
which we enjoyed so much. Let us add this letter to the many that acknowledge
your great contribution to the jazz scene over the years and affirm you as a
"Mama Jazz."
-- Dick Haid, Hamilton (5/14/02)
A big thank you
I would like to let Mama
Jazz know that I am probably one of a lot of people who have never met her, but
yet owe her a big thank you! When I was younger my parents introduced me
to the Oldies. Since then I've had the opportunity to grow as a music fan. My
tastes seem to almost expand the genres of music. But I do know that it was Mama
Jazz who started me on the path to learning about jazz. I would listen to the
names she said and would try to listen more to that artist. Now I try to pass a
little bit of that love of jazz onto other people.Thanks again Mama Jazz! Keep
up the great work on your show!
-- Bonnie Purtee (5/14/02)
Mama Jazz is her REAL mother
I am one of only four people
who can actually say that Mama is their real mother.
I've been calling her Mama much longer than any of her fans! Many people want to
know what it's been like growing up with Mama as my mother.
I feel very fortunate to have had this wonderful role model. My mother has
always had her joie de vivre, and she never met a stranger. Like most children,
it wasn't until I had children of my own that I truly came to appreciate my
mother. She has been such a guiding force in my life. One of the main things
she's tried to teach me is to enjoy the moment. She's one person who seems to
enjoy every moment, and can find something good in every situation.
I have many memories of sharing music with my mother, especially various jazz
festivals across the country. She took me to New Orleans when I was twelve, and
New York when I graduated from high school. We've also been to Los Angeles,
Kansas City, Chicago, and Detroit. The other fond musical memories are our
yearly Valentine's Day shows. This year was especially memorable because both of
my children stopped by so we had three generations on the air.
I am delighted that so many people have gotten to know her through WMUB. One of
the greatest tributes to her was when my son, Andrew, was a toddler. He wouldn't
go to sleep at night unless I had her show playing on the radio. From what I
understand, there are quite a few people who feel this way! She's a wonderful
lady who deserves all this attention- and it's quite a tribute to her that so
many people want to share in her birthday celebration.
Much love Mama, your daughter.
-- Gail Campbell Johnson, Oxford (5/13/02)
Mama Jazz changed his life
Mama Jazz changed my life!
I spent every Wednesday night for 3 years straight with her and Ann Taulbe
pulling records off the WMUB shelves for request night (which I was VERY
disappointed to see go). Talk about an education in jazz! Mama is one of the
most wonderful, witty, and insightful people I have ever known. She didn't just
teach me about jazz though, she taught me about life too, and every bit of
advice she's given me has proven invaluable over the years. She's got a passion
for living that I've never seen in anyone before or since- I hope I'm in equally
good spirits when I'm 80 years young! Thanks for the memories, Mama, and "put
another log on the fire" when you get a moment.
-- Jeremy Brann '00, New Orleans (5/13/02)
A fun part of life
I've been a lifelong fan of Mama Jazz, thanks to my dad, Paul Mitchell. I was
born in Oxford, and some of my earliest memories consist of lying on my parents'
bed listening to WMUB while dad graded papers for his classes. My favourite
nights were Saturdays, because of Prairie Home Companions, and (of course!)
Tuesdays, due to Traditional Night. One of the most difficult stretches for me
was being in grad school at UK, and I couldn't get WMUB. I came home most
weekends, but that didn't include Tuesday nights. Fortunately, since graduating
from UK I've moved back to Oxford and settled here. I've converted my husband as
well, not a very difficult task. Mama and WMUB have been a very fun part of my
life, and I hope our kids (first one due next month!) will have the same fond
memories.
-- Judith Bolenbaugh '97, Oxford (5/11/02)
Mama makes every day a party
I remember Mama when she was plain lil old Phyllis Campbell, secretary for the
Department of Guidance and Counseling in the School of Education, back in the
1970s. Phyllis made every day a party in the department office, just as Mama
Jazz makes every show a party. New students were welcomed and introduced,
old ones greeted with warmth and humor. Gossip and good talk flowed. She was the
center of the department. That was 25 years ago. . . And she really, REALLY
hasn't changed a bit! Happy birthday, Phyllis. Love, Chessie.
-- Chessie Vigran (Chessie Idinopulos), Richmond (5/11/02)
Favorite Mama memories
The first of my favorite Mama Jazz memories happened around 1993. We were newly
arrived in the area from Western New York and had just sent our 11 year-old son,
Adam to bed when he came running out of his room shouting, "Turn on the radio!
Mama Jazz is reading my letter!"
Adam had joined the Batesville Indiana Middle School band on the bari sax, had
already developed an appreciation for big band music, and was a big fan of
Mama's radio show. He wrote to her and when Mama mentioned him on the air, that
was the beginning of our family's love affair with the one and only Mama Jazz.
My next favorite memories of Mama are the last three years when she has come to
our library's After Hours Concert featuring the Sport Coat Jazz Explosion Big
Band from Batesville High School. She makes each of those concerts the highlight
of our year, and she has been named an honorary member of the band (she has a
plaque and an official ugly sport coat to prove it). Mama, you are the best! We
love to listen to you, to learn from you, and to laugh with you. Happiest of
birthday wishes from your friends in Batesville.
-- Mike, Vicki, and Adman Kruse, Batesville (5/10/02)
The first
Mother of Jazz
It has been twenty some years ago that I first met "Mama" in the basement
of old Williams Hall. I had been living in the Washington, D.C. area before
coming to Oxford and I thought I would not find any jazz on the airwaves of
Southwest Ohio. I was surely wrong once I became acquainted with "Mama" and the
other great folks at WMUB in the old days.
I remember fondly the times I've spent at WMUB with the first Mother of Jazz, to
include my first time on her show at the temporary quarters in Sawyer Gym on
Western campus. I recall how much she enjoyed sharing recordings that I brought
with me, especially the "Mitchell-Ruff Duo" and of course Stan Getz. But really
I enjoyed her tolerance for letting me play all of those Shelly Manne records
and that special West Coast sound.
I will always remember the Christmas party that she broadcast live from our
home. We had quite a collection of people to include the late John Knight and
other local notables.
"Mama Jazz" will always have a special place in my heart as one of the finest
ladies I have ever known and I will always remember that it has been my
privilege to know her all of these years. "Mama" you are the best, thank you
always.
-- John Barnhart, Oxford (5/8/02)
Anxious
graduate student found calm
I moved to Oxford as an anxious graduate student in 1985. When I heard
Mama Jazz on WMUB, I knew right then that this would be a bearable place. Her
show kept me calm through a lot of late-night studying and writing. I'm only
sorry I can't hear her from Nebraska!
-- Bob Whipple '90, Omaha, NE (5/6/02)
--[Ed: You can listen to Mama or any of WMUB's programming over the Internet
with RealPlayer or Windows Media Player. See our
home page for details.]
Wants to be just like Mama
I have known Mama for over 10 years. I want to be like her when I grow up.
She is witty, charming, good looking, vivacious, intelligent, strong,
opinionated (and her opinion usually turns out to be RIGHT), talented, generous
and a Jazz Expert. She is a living legend who is a role model for all Miami
students, particularly young women, who plan to grow up and take the world by
storm!!! I miss you madly, Mama and love you even more!!!!! Your sidekick
forever, Traci.
-- Traci DiMartini, Washington, DC (4/30/02)
Teachings come full circle
I first met Mama Jazz in the late '70s in her former career as secretary in
Miami's Department of Personnel and Guidance. I was a graduate student and a
full-time MU employee. Mama Jazz was always ready with a smile and a tip on jazz
music. I didn't know anything about jazz at the time, but figured it must be
important because it was such a crusade for her.
Fast forward 20 years (how time flies!) and our oldest son plays baritone sax in
the Talawanda High School Jazz Band. Between Mama and my son, by now I've heard
a lot of jazz! My most meaningful memory of Mama came when the THS Jazz Band
played on her show at the WMUB Studios. Watching her and the Jazz Band in person
at the broadcast, and listening to her comments on the Jazz greats whose works
were being played by the high school jazz band, really seemed to make her
teachings come full circle for me.
While I didn't especially realize it at the time, part of my graduate degree
education involved learning a bit about jazz and setting the stage to appreciate
it even more in the years to come. Thanks, Mama.
-- Debbie Allison, Oxford (5/1/02)
Mama belongs in "Who's Who"
Seems I've known Mama since she began broadcasting at WMUB, back in the days
when the station was a mighty 820 watts and Mama came on in the evenings between
7 and 10 pm followed by "Progressions" which ran until after midnight. Those
were the days of Randy and Dick Taylor and the late Paul Dugas. From time to
time I would have the honor of filling in for Mama when she travelled to a jazz
festival or other music event, and with John Barnhart I've enjoyed filling in on
Christmas night so Mama would have some extra time for opening all the presents.
Mama was one of the early champions of the Windham Hill label in the late 70s
and early 80s, and there our musical tastes coincided nicely. I don't think I've
ever been able to convert her to Maynard Ferguson or to enjoying any recording
of "Birdland" (particularly not Weather Report's version), but she has taught me
a lot about traditional jazz. We've always been honored to have her at Miami
University Middletown Artist and Lecture Series events such as the night we had
the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra led by Henry Cuesta with special soloist Terry Gibbs,
or the two times we hosted the Olmpia Brass Band - Mama was always front and
center, and the most frequent question I got on those evenings was "could you
introduce me to Mama Jazz?" - which was always a pleasure. We had particular fun
one evening when the Dixieland Rhythm Kings were in concert and Mama did a
backstage interview with drummer Barrett Deems (imagine my surprise when
watching the movie HIGH SOCIETY and there was Deems playing behind Satchmo),
Gene Mayl, and pianist John Ulrich. She also helped to emcee a special concert
for us that featured Mayl plus Norris Turney, Cal Collins, and Johnny Lytle.
Back in the early days we did a special tribute evening to Eubie Blake when he
turned 101 that she hosted - that was a truly memorable evening. We ought to get
a petition going so that when the next updated edition of "Who's Who in Jazz"
is published, Mama takes her rightful place!
-- Rod Nimtz, Miami-Middletown campus (4/29/02)
One sassy lady
You are one sassy lady, Mama Jazz! I love you to pieces! Many nights I
have stayed up with you and your sweet sweet voice just hanging out with all of
our friends like Clark Terry, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, etc. Although I
will have to say our relationship is one made of love and hate. I love listening
to you, but sometimes a little too much because I abandon my studies and just
relax with with that mellow jazz you so inticingly play. The next morning when
the exam is coming out, you and I are not always on the best of terms, and I
regret even tempting myself by turning on the radio. One of the best nights of
my college experience was spent on the phone with you. I had called into your
show during the pledge-a-thon and I had asked you on a date. I'm only 19 so you
claimed to be too old for my liking but I think you got a chuckle out of it
nonetheless. (The offer is still on the table Mama.) I look forward to your
birthday bash, you know I'll be there. Keep on truckin' Mama, because everybody
loves what you're doing!
-- Jon Snashall, Grove City (4/29/02)
A dead car battery can change your life
About five years ago, just after having to replace the battery in my car, I
discovered that I had lost the station programming on my car radio. Going down
the highway at sixty-five is not the place to re-program, so I turned the knob
to the first station that sounded good. It turned out to be a NPR station with
someone Mama Jazz playing jazz. This was my first experience with National
Public Radio and it had been quite some time since I had listened to jazz. Since
then my wife Rosemary and I have become good friends with Mama, even to the
point of running a jazz web site. How a dead car battery can change your
life, thanks Mama.
-- Rob Gable, JazzAdvocate.com, Brookville (4/25/02)
Many memories
I have many memories of Mama Jazz, though she is the only personality
at WMUB whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting!
Many times I have had Mama's show on in my shop and people (who just happen to
be jazz musicians) would complement me on my choice of music. Not many
businesses choose to play jazz over their sound systems so you can be sure they
are curious as to why I am different. I tell them that I love jazz and I love
listening to Mama do her thing.
Now musicians, especially the back-up and studio kind, are by nature shy and
reserved people who prefer to let their music be their outlet. They open up to
me once they hear this. I invite them to stay and tell me about their
experiences playing jazz and especially for legendary performers. Often they
have a tape or CD of their own and they are as generous with these as they are
with their time. They give them to me and refuse to accept payment or anything
in return!
I owe Mama many thanks for having introduced me to so many talented and truly
nice musicians. If I didn't have her playing in my shop, I know I never would
have had these wonderful and fun encounters.
I love jazz and I love Mama Jazz. She's made my day many times and doesn't even
know it.
-- Mike Anagnostou, Thornapple Books, West Chester (4/26/02)
Thank you Mama
I just wanted to thank you Mama Jazz for introducing me to Jazz. I love
your show and I really enjoy listening to it. Happy Birthday Mama Jazz :)
-- Chris Garau (4/25/2002)
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