Farewell to Phil Pospychala (Sept. 2, 1936-March 21, 2022)

There is something about legendary people and particularly about those legendary people who died young. Perhaps it is the thoughts of what could have been. No doubt for many it is a search for the question of why did they die so soon. The legend attracts many people with different and discordant ideas and theories which further propels the legend. In the case of the legendary Bix Beiderbecke, the world lost one of those people. A man who for many years celebrated Bix in a very unique yet down to earth way once a year for the 31 years. That would be the creator of “Tribute To Bix,” held most recently in Racine, Wisconsin. That was Phil Pospychala. Phil was a Chicagoan, growing up in the era when Chicago was burying its streetcars, building skyscrapers, and spreading its suburbs. An era when “new” was “better” and when much of the culture of the city—in particular the days that it nursed a new musical sensation called “Jazz”—was disappearing. Phil had an attraction for what was being erased. In particular, the wonderful music he loved so much. Like many of us, Phil’s exposure to the music was from records. Shellac 78s he gathered from the dingy basements during those days. While others his age were rocking and rolling, Phil was seeking out the location of the original Friar’s Inn, the Savoy Ballroom, and other establishments that, while still operating, often h
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John Landry has been collecting records and following the trad jazz scene for four decades now. Every week he hosts "beHAVior Night--That Famous Funny Old Record Show" as his alter-ego "SirJack Scratchy." He also lends his musical talents on violin and vocals to one of New York City's beloved 20s and 30s musical groups, The Buck And A Quarter Quartet.

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