‘Measure of a Man’ to honor Puckett
A local musician, community leader and educator whose love of God drove all his work will be honored Friday night with a special tribute, “John C. Puckett: The Measure of a Man,” sponsored by the Gateway Community Association and the Friends of John Puckett.
The event, being held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa’s Crystal Ballroom, 239 Central Ave., will feature a performance by the G-Music from the Art Porter Music Education’s Minors in Music Program. The proceeds from the program will support the GCA’s neighborhood revitalization efforts.
The tribute will be co-chaired by GCA President Jean Lacefield and Ron Hall, Hot Springs Jazz Society fellow musician.
“We will be honoring the contributions of John C. Puckett, a Hot Springs School District educator, jazz musician and community leader and the friends, colleagues and musicians he has influenced,” Lacefield said in a news release.
Puckett was a native of Hot Springs who started piano lessons at the age of 8 and began playing in the church when he was only 12 years old. He was a graduate of the historic Langston Junior and Senior High School. When he was a sophomore in college, he went on tour with bandleader Willie Mitchell and later received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He furthered his education and received his Master’s of Music Degree from Ohio State University and was a retired educator in the Hot Springs School District.
Puckett was a member of Visitors Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as the minister of music and a Sunday school teacher for many years. After college, he recorded an LP album, “Meet John Puckett and His Piano,” on the King Label. He later played 23 years at the Arlington, the Black Orchid Lounge, and backed up shows at The Vapors in Hot Springs during its peak. He was the elder of several fine players appearing at the Black Orchid, which also featured the late pianists Art Porter Sr. and Charles Thomas.
His fine artistry and skills are well known in Little Rock where he had long engagements
appearing at the Peabody Hotel and Little Rock Country Club. He was a member of Hot Springs Jazz Society and performed in several outstanding pianorama performances with local musicians, Earl Hesse, Chuck Dodson and Shirley Chauvin. He was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 2006.
“John was both a ‘musicians’ musician’ and a servant to the Master who gave him his talent. His love of God was the basis for his school teaching, music ministry, and his sharing of jazz through his masterful piano playing,” Hall said in the release.
“As a fellow musician in Hot Springs I knew John; we played in several Hot Springs Jazz Society events. But I have enjoyed getting to know him better through the making of the memorial video ‘The Measure of the Man.’
“I am so grateful to those who helped with this project. Through their testimonies and direction regarding John’s life experiences, I have been able to see one who should be highly revered for his dedication to the people of Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas,” Hall said.
Friday’s entertainment will begin with the featured G-Music Band, which is a natural progression for members, D’Shawn Lamkin, bassist; Keith Bates, drummer; and Lexington Porter, violinist, who is the grandson of Art Porter Sr., who are all former students in the Art Porter Music Education’s Minors in Music Program. Terence Lankford, keyboardist, served as a Mentor in Music to the students.
“Although young, members of the G-Music Band have created a sound that transcends generations. Their appreciation for all genres can be heard in their arrangements and interpretations. The group has a chemistry that happens organically and a love for music that can be felt in every performance. Their commitment to the band stems from their lifelong commitment to their church where they serve in their respective music capacities and love of giving back to the community that nurtured their talents,” the release said.
Lacefield said the Gateway Community Organization represents the largest primary African-American historic neighborhood adjacent to downtown in the state of Arkansas with homes dating back to the 1920s. “We are proud to have a night where we review the impact John Puckett has on his beloved community, friends, colleagues and fellow musicians with video testimonies and special presentations from G-Music Band, the next generation following in John’s footsteps,” she said.
“As a choir member of Mr. Puckett at Langston Junior High School, he taught us more than just ability to sing, play and enjoy music, he gave us life lessons in how to prepare for any situation and be your best. I will forever honor his love and encouragement,” Lacefield said.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $35 for adults and
$5 for children 18 and younger. For more information about the event, call Lacefield at 501-6232659 or email jeanlacefield@ yahoo.com.