Bob James (encore episode)

May 08, 2024

This week on Cultural Manifesto listen to an interview with the legendary jazz pianist Bob James, he’ll be performing at the Jazz Kitchen later this month. 

Some music fans know James for writing the theme song to the hit television show Taxi. Others know James’ work through its extensive use in hip-hop sampling — he’s one of the most sampled artists in the history of rap music. But few know that James’ first career breakthrough happened in Indiana. 

In 1962, the Bob James Trio competed at Notre Dame’s Collegiate Jazz Festival in South Bend. The judges at that year’s festival included Henry Mancini and Quincy Jones. James carried away the festival’s top prizes and formed a lasting relationship with Quincy Jones — who signed James to Mercury Records and produced his debut album the following year. James will share his memories of the festival, and Cultural Manifesto host Kyle Long will share a rare lost recording of James’ 1962 performance. 

James will also discuss his collaboration with Indianapolis jazz legend Freddie Hubbard, and offer his thoughts on the use of his music in sampling.