Russell Thomas Jr. lives jazz—as a teacher, a student and an advocate. The Mississippi Jazz Foundation recognized Thomas for his own musicianship as well as his education work last Friday, during its annual holiday concert at the Alamo Theatre on Farish Street. Thomas, who has taught jazz performance and music theory at Jackson State University since 1984, also promotes the music he loves in elementary and secondary schools. He founded “Jazz in the Schools,” a music education program that teaches jazz history and jazz improvisation to elementary and high school students.
Thomas received his bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and his Ph.D. in music education from the University of Utah. Not limited to American forms like jazz, Thomas has studied traditional Chinese music in China and visited Ghana to study West African music and religion.
Thomas developed JSU’s jazz education curriculum and directs the school’s award-winning jazz ensemble.
An accomplished saxophonist in his own right, Thomas has performed with notable jazz musicians like vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and trumpeter Dizzie Gillespie, and bluesmen like B.B. King and Little Milton.