Jazz has survived and flourished because of people like Manty Ellis, a local hero who lived and breathed music for 93 years—a jazz guitarist of the highest caliber and a committed educator who taught countless musicians. He was always sharp, even in his final days—with vivid recollections, accurate musical assessments, and an intense, passionate desire to carry this music forward. He was a window into another era, a golden age when clubs lined Walnut Street. He lived the history of this music and could tell you about it—but not the way you might read about it in a history book. He was there when Herbie Hancock played his first gig outside of Chicago (at Curro’s in Milwaukee) and could tell you how it felt to have Wes Montgomery hand you his guitar to play—“It felt like a thousand pounds, man!” His roots went all the way back to the early days of jazz in Milwaukee. Born on January 16, 1933, at Fifth and Vine Streets in the heart of what became known as Bronzeville, he grew up with future jazz stars Willie Pickens, Frank Morgan, Bunky Green, and others who all left town to make a name for themselves. But unlike them, Manty stayed here in Milwaukee, a city he loved, and we are so lucky that he did.
Manty was our teacher, mentor, and friend. When I say “our,” I mean the many musicians in the jazz community who learned from him over the years. I studied with him as a teenager over 40 years ago and then worked with him as a pianist in his groups. His passion inspired me as a musician and a teacher and has been a key motivating factor in the programs I’ve led, including those at the Milwaukee Jazz Institute. Jazz scenes don’t appear out of nowhere; they are created by people like Manty. I hope that we can all continue his legacy.
—Mark Davis …