About Dr. Willis Kirk

The Meade Legacy Society in conjunction with the African American Jazz Caucus confers the 2nd Annual Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award to Dr. Willis Kirk. A noted musician, educator, humanitarian, Dr. Kirk personifies the essence of the jazz griot.  

Dr. Willis Kirk, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, graduated from the prestigious Crispus Attucks High School and obtained a Master’sDegree from Butler University. He continued studies at Ohio State University, Indiana University, the University of San Francisco, and received a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Walden University. 

At Attucks High School, Willis came under the tutelage of music teachers, Russell Brown, Norman Merrifield, Lavern Newsom, and Marian Burch. He played with noted musicians, Earl Hines, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, John Handy, John Hendricks, Jimmy Coe, Leroy Vinnegar, Earl Grandy, Slide Hampton, Hank Marr and many other legendary artists during the 1940,s 50,s and 60,s. These experiences molded Willis Kirk, into the brilliant talent he became. 

During his career he rubbed shoulders with many of the 20th century jazz greats, and played countless casuals. He was born in Indianapolis in 1928. In 4th grade he started taking drum lessons, and by high school had played his first paid gig. After high school, he worked with many groups in Indianapolis, including Wes Montgomery, with whom he played for many years. 

In 1950, he was drafted into the army. After the service he continued to play music and eventually went to Butler University on the GI Bill. While there were many others, Arthur Carter Sr. a former Tuskegee Airman, became a mentor and great influence on young Kirk’s understanding of community.

Kirk continued to play gigs and eventually had his own trio. In 1955 he married Roslyn King and began to raise a family. He supported himself as a music teacher. In the early 60s, Willis also worked part-time as a business agent for Indianapolis Musicians Local 3. He relocated his family to the Bay Area in 1968, where he taught music in Oakland public schools and, eventually, worked as a counselor for City College of San Francisco. From 1988 – 1991 he served as City College president.

In the early 80s, he wrote a jazz drumming instructional book called Brush Fire. During the 1990s, Kirk composed “Rejoice! Rejoice!” a jazz oratory that was recorded and performed at the Indianapolis Jazz Festival in 2004. May 9, 2009, in recognition of his vast contributions to higher education, he received an Honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from Butler University. Today, Willis continues to play with the David Hardiman All – Star Big Band, as well as the occasional casual gig.

  “Dr. Willis Kirk and his generation were at the advent of modern jazz; a transitional time when swing had its run as a driving force” according to Donald Meade. He was a major drummer, a great educator and administrator; one of the guardians of his time.  The industry has provided many critics and advocates but few griot/historians. Kirk has worked tirelessly to share with others “the seriousness of this music. We can’t be caught up in being kind” he says. “We have to be accurate if this music is going to continue. We need contributions above mediocrity to perpetuate a legacy.”