Highlights Life of Local Jazz Legend

Stockton, Calif. – Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) introduced a resolution honoring the life of David “Dave” Warren Brubeck for his musical contributions to America. 

Brubeck attended College of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., now known as the University of the Pacific.  After college he served in the U.S. Army, where he started a band and continued his musical career composing iconic jazz numbers such as “Take Five.” Dave passed away on Dec. 5, 2012, a day before his 92nd birthday. He was a native Californian and graduate of University of the Pacific.

“Dave’s contributions to music, jazz, and the arts have had a tremendous impact here in Stockton and around the world.  I’m proud to introduce this resolution recognizing his contributions and talents,” said Rep. Jerry McNerney.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. George Miller (CA-7), Jim Himes (CT-4), Barbara Lee (CA-9), John Garamendi (CA-10), Edolphus Towns (NY-10), Raul Grijalva (AZ-7), John Lewis (GA-5), Danny Davis (IL-7), and Hank Johnson (GA-4).  The text of the resolution is below.  

RESOLUTION

Honoring and recognizing the life of David “Dave” Warren Brubeck for his contributions in musical composition, jazz, and to the international community.  

Whereas Dave Brubeck was born in Concord, California on December 6, 1920;

Whereas he attended the College of the Pacific, (now University of the Pacific), in Stockton, CA, where he studied classical music and graduated in 1942; 

Whereas he met Iola, his wife of 70 years and his creative partner and primary lyricist, at the College of the Pacific; 

Whereas after graduation, he enlisted into the Army and met musical collaborator and future band member, Paul Desmond; 

Whereas he led an interracial band, “The Wolfpack” while serving in the US Armed Forces; 

Whereas in 1946, using the GI Bill, he enrolled in Mills College in Oakland, California to study music composition; 

Whereas in 1947 he created the Dave Brubeck Octet; 

Whereas in 1951 he formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet and performed at San Francisco’s Black Hawk nightclub and college campuses; 

Whereas in 1954 he became the second jazz musician to be on the cover of Time magazine; 

Whereas in 1959 the Dave Brubeck Quartet recorded the platinum-selling album “Time Out”, including his iconic song “Take Five,” which was the first jazz album to sell more than a million copies; 

Whereas he made jazz music acceptable, accessible, and appealing to a broader audience;

Whereas he was intolerant of prejudice and used his music to advocate for civil rights and racial unity; 

Whereas in 2000, he collaborated with the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, CA, to create the Brubeck Institute to encourage the study and performance of jazz with young musicians;   

Whereas in 2003 the Library of Congress designated him a “Living Legend”; and 

Whereas he used his talent to contribute to and improve our society; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors and recognizes David Warren Brubeck for his legacy in music composition and jazz, and his contributions to the international community.