George Wein, Newport Folk Fest, July 2016. Three days ago, George passed at age 95. He was (and will always be) a foundational and crucial figure to the formation of American Music Festivals. However, saying it like that doesn’t really do George the justice he deserves as the artist, businessperson, and uplifter of music and people that he was. A pianist, professional musician, booker, and eventually the creator of America’s very first music festivals: Newport Jazz Fest and Newport Folk Fest. So many were given career-altering opportunities by Mr Wein; from new artists to those needing a mid career boost. George watched music and artists grow up, grow old, break barriers, cause chaos, reinvent itself, time and time again. Into his 90′s he continued to survey the musical landscapes he helped to grow decades prior. And so, a younger version of me in 2016 would cross paths with George. One of many photographers to ask the same question. “George, may I make your portrait?” He kindly allowed me to. Thank you George for who you were. I’ll forever cherish the brief and warm moment I had meeting you. Thanks for being so kind to young me. Rest easy, we all love you very much.
