The Jazz Man

By Bradley Cooley, Jr.

Est. August, 2023

Located within the market area near the Pinellas Street roundabout on FAMU Way, “The Jazz Man” occupies a space that has experienced significant change. African American businesses thrived in the area from the 1930s to the 1980s and the restaurants, bars, and lounges provided performance opportunities for emerging and established musicians.

Florida A&M University brought legendary jazz educators and artists into contact with locals who would go on to become masters of the genre, teaching and inspiring others in return. That exponential effect helps account for the stunning number and variety of celebrated jazz musicians with ties to Tallahassee such as FAMU graduates and brothers Julian “Cannonball” and Nathaniel “Nat” Adderley, among many others.

The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency’s History and Culture Trail (HCT) project seeks to recognize and honor the historical contributions and cultural impact of the communities adjacent to the FAMU Way Corridor, an east-west roadway from South Monroe Street to Lake Bradford Road. In partnership with the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, COCA sought public art proposals that celebrate the rich history and culture of the areas surrounding the Capital Cascades Trail and FAMU Way Extension projects.

You can find more information about the project here.