"I Stand Corrected" Jennifer Lietham's story

[Stella_Omega]

Jennifer Leitham was born John. As John, she was one of the highest ranging Jazz bass players of the eighties and nineties, touring with Mel Tormé, Doc Severinsen and the Woody Herman Thundering Herd among others.

The Jazz world is notably misogynistic and homophobic, and you can imagine that a man so well-known could not transition invisibly-- Jennifer has not been invited back to any of the prestigious venues that John was welcomed to.

Last night, I was privileged to see the wonderfully upbeat documentary I Stand Corrected. It's great because it's not about a transition,it's about a great musician who transitioned-- she is more than her transition.

Afterwards, the audience got to talk to the documentary producer, and also talk to Jennifer and hear her play live. For which may I say Hooooooly shit I have NEVER heard such virtuoso playing!

 

[Safe_Bet]

How cool that must have been.

I'm jealousing big time.

 

[Ike_The_Spike]

I'll have to check out the link when I get home. I doubt my phone could do it justice. A truly good bass player is always a joy to watch and listen to.

 

[theDragnet]

How wonderful! Great artists transcend their circumstances.

 

[jehoram]

The Jazz world is notably misogynistic and homophobic, and you can imagine that a man so well-known could not transition invisibly-- Jennifer has not been invited back to any of the prestigious venues that John was welcomed to.

And let us not forget Billy Tipton, who masqueraded as a man for her entire career:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns...n-the-female-jazz-musician-who-lived-as-a-man

It appears that the classical music scene may be a little more forgiving. Wendy Carlos continues to have a career as composer and arranger, although it's not the standout career she had as Walter (Switched-On Bach) Carlos.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Jehoram, that gets some mention in the film. Not Billy Tipton, who maintained secrecy till the day he died... Which kinda proves the point, doesn't it--- but the trans phobia in the classical world.

Jennifer says that she does get gigs in the smaller venues, and she'll pack the place-- but they never book her a second time. They just want to be able to say they aren't prejudiced.

One area that's a little bit better is Rock and Roll. O course that's partly because the scene is smaller venues in the first place.