Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ)

U.S. jazz ensemble. It was founded in 1951 by pianist John Lewis (1920–2001), vibraphonist Milt Jackson (1923–99), drummer Kenny Clarke (1914–85), and bassist Ray Brown (1926–2002). They originally worked together as the rhythm section for Dizzy Gillespie's big band in 1946. The quartet established a reserved and subtle approach to the modern jazz innovations of the mid-1940s, incorporating elements of classical chamber music with original compositions and jazz standards. Percy Heath (1923–2005) replaced Brown in 1952, and Connie Kay (1927–94) replaced Clarke in 1955. The group disbanded in 1974 but reunited for annual tours beginning in the 1980s. Upon Kay's death, Percy's brother Albert (“Tootie”) Heath (b. 1935) joined the group.

After his brother joined Atlantic in 1956, the label attracted many of the most inventive jazz musicians of the era, including Coltrane, Charles Mingus, the Modern Jazz Quartet and Ornette Coleman.

ATLANTIC FOUNDER ERTEGUN CHANGED MUSIC INDUSTRY by Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)

Take the kids to the California African American Museum (600 State Drive in Expedition Park; 310-954-4300) on February 26 where Modern Jazz Quartet drummer Tootie Heath and his trio join storyteller Sybil Desta in a tribute to black composers.

WHAT'S HAPPENING by Brown, Ann / Black Enterprise

Tharp, Cole, Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Jerome Robbins, Donald McKayle, and Danny Buraczeski are not frivolous artists.

He doesn't say the J. word by Mazo, Joseph H. / Dance Magazine

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