“Be it resolved that the council of the city of New York mourns the death and celebrates the life of jazz legend Milt Jackson, who passed away on October 9, 1999.” This resolution, introduced by Councilmember Stanley Michels, was adopted on Nov. 10 at a brief ceremony honoring Mr. Jackson.

Local 802 President Bill Moriarity pointed out that “Milt Jackson was not only an extremely important creative artist in the New York jazz community, but an important part of Local 802. He supported all of our efforts to win workplace improvements for jazz musicians over a long period of years.”

Bassist and 802 Jazz Rep Bob Cranshaw, who played with his group, said: “I grew up on Milt Jackson, and to me he was like the Michael Jordan of jazz – he did everything.”

Trumpeter Jimmy Owens, the Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison to Local 802’s Executive Board said, “Milt Jackson was a very important part of jazz – and New York City is the jazz capital of the world.” He recalled that, on Dec. 19, 1986, the New York City Council “passed a proclamation that said, ‘Jazz is New York’s indigenous music.’ And that was the precedent that allowed Congressman John Conyers of Detroit to pass a bill in Washington, D.C., that said, ‘Jazz is America’s national treasure.’ So I thank you.”

Chyrise Jackson, Milt Jackson’s daughter, expressed thanks on behalf of the family.

An obituary of Milt Jackson appears in the Requiem section of this issue.