It was easy to dislike Norman Granz. He was acerbic, sarcastic, and quite often, downright rude. But, like him or not, jazz producer and impresario Norman Granz earned universal respect for his battle for racial equality, and for equity in the music world. His biggest critics, it seemed were racists in the industry. 
Granz insisted that his musicians be treated with the same respect as their white colleagues. “Because,” he said, “they were just as good. As both men and musicians.” His roster of jazz performers included legends Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson – all of whom packed nightclubs and auditoriums. And, all of whom were forced to enter through the back door, and could never sit in the audience.
Unless, of course, when Norman Granz was at the show. His contracts stipulated no segregated venues. If owners didn’t comply, Granz’s artists didn’t perform. Boycotting a segregated club hurt the owners more than it hurt him. When they did take the stage, Granz guaranteed equal pay, equal dressing rooms, and equal hotel accommodations as white musicians.
Oscar Peterson often spoke of how Granz stood up to racist cops, paying the legal fees of artists arrested for simply being Black. Granz once stared down the barrel of a cop’s pistol for insisting that white cabbies drive them to their hotel. He tore down “Whites Only” signs on bathroom doors, and led the charge for the desegregation of Las Vegas nightclubs.
“Soundtrack to the Struggle” is hosted by Hollis Monroe. Produced by Ron Adkins. Executive Producer is Dennis Green.
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