A Tribute to Roy Haynes — 100th Birthday Celebration
by Seiki Yukimoto (Seiki Yukimoto & Soulbleed)

Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (New York time), a tribute event celebrating the 100th birthday of legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes was held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York. This article documents the event, interwoven with an interview with the event’s organizer, Craig Holiday Haynes, Roy Haynes’ eldest son.

 

A Night in New York—Entering the Jazz Sanctuary

March in New York is still cold. Zipping up my sheepskin jacket—
a recent find from Orchard Street—I made my way to the venue.
Upon arrival, the church had a solemn yet warm atmosphere, filled with excitement for the historic event about to unfold.
The advance tickets, distributed online, had sold out quickly. Fortunately, thanks to Craig Holiday Haynes, I received a VIP pass and was able to attend the rehearsal.
Known as the “Jazz Church,” the venue was well-equipped with state-of-the-art wireless microphones, making everything wireless except for the grand piano.
Soon, the space was packed, and the energy was palpable. Scanning the room, I spotted renowned figures in the jazz world: Cecil McBee, Adam Nussbaum, Thelonious Sphere Monk (Little Rootie Tootie), Earl John Powell (son of Bud Powell), jazz journalist Ron Scott, and former Verve Records VP Hollis King—just to name a few.
The first two rows were reserved for Roy Haynes’ family, and I sat in the third row, center, between Ron Scott and Hollis King.


 

“To My Great Father”—Craig Holiday Haynes’ Opening Speech

The event began with an opening speech by Craig Holiday Haynes. Rather than a sorrowful eulogy, it was an uplifting tribute, celebrating Roy Haynes as a great artist.
As Craig spoke, it was clear that his love for his father went beyond family ties—he revered Roy as a fellow jazzman.
Originally scheduled to perform, drummer Lenny White was unable to attend due to health issues but sent a heartfelt video message. His words, even through a screen, deeply moved me.

 

The Tribute Concert—A Soul-Stirring Jazz Giants’ Jam Session

The performance featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including:
• Craig Holiday Haynes (drums)
• Donald Harrison (alto saxophone)
• Christian McBride (bass)
• Robert Rodriguez (piano)
• Jaleel Shaw (saxophone)
• Ed Howard (bass)
• Craig Handy (saxophone)
• Marcus Gilmore (drums)
• Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums)

Every note resonated with the spirit of Roy Haynes, creating a living, breathing musical experience.
I even joked with a friend, “Instead of just hunting for gigs, maybe we should check the Jazz Church website more often. Who knows? We might get to hear incredible live music for free!”

 

“A Centennial Celebration”—Roy Haynes Keeps Swinging

Surprisingly, there were few tears that night. It was not a somber memorial but a joyous celebration.
Roy Haynes himself was not physically present, yet his rhythm and spirit were unmistakably there.
As Craig Holiday Haynes said, “My father’s music and spirit will continue to live on.” This event was not just a tribute but a bridge to the future of jazz, ensuring that Roy Haynes’ legacy endures.
His swing never stops. It will be carried forward by the next generation of jazz musicians, resonating in clubs, studios, and concert halls around the world.

🎶 “We still swing, Roy!” 🎶

 

Interview with Craig Holiday Haynes

Roy Haynes was one of the most influential drummers in jazz history, with a career spanning over 70 years. He played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern jazz drumming, collaborating with legends such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Chick Corea. His drumming continues to inspire musicians to this day.
Sadly, Haynes passed away four months before his 100th birthday, but his music and spirit were celebrated at this tribute event. Led by his son, Craig Holiday Haynes, the night gathered jazz musicians and industry figures to honor his remarkable legacy.
When I asked Craig what message he wanted to share, he simply replied:
“Give me a day. I’ll send you everything I want to say tomorrow.”

A Tribute to My Father’s 100th Birthday

by Craig Holiday Haynes


On Friday, March 13, 1925, my father, Roy O. Haynes, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

In the fall of 1945, bandleader Luis Russell sent my father, then 20 years old, a one-way train ticket to join a big band in New York.

That was the start of his professional career, performing at Savoy Ballroom, Apollo Theater, and various jazz clubs across the city. He later toured nationally and internationally, including Europe.

Over the years, he played with Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Getz, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, and countless other legendary artists.

It is said that my father was one of the most recorded drummers in jazz history—perhaps even the most recorded. Miles Davis featured him on his 1951 album and later stated, “I made every drummer in my band listen to Roy.”


My father’s contributions to jazz are countless, collaborating with icons like Oliver Nelson, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Etta Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny.
For his 100th birthday, I was honored to organize this tribute event at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.


Unfortunately, my father passed away four months before his 99th birthday. One of the last things I told him was:

“Dad, you’re going to get better. You’ll be out of the hospital soon, and in four months, we’re throwing a huge party for your 100th birthday.”

But it seems he wasn’t interested in attending that party.

Due to time constraints, we had to carefully curate the performances.
Unfortunately, two key musicians fell ill at the last minute, so they sent video messages instead.

The first video came from Lenny White, who was gravely ill and could barely speak, yet his message was deeply moving.
Next, a message arrived from Dee Dee Bridgewater, who was battling a severe cold in New Orleans.


Other heartfelt messages came from:
• Cindy Blackman Santana
• Terri Lyne Carrington
• Steve Jordan
• Members of the Fountain of Youth Band
• Club owner Todd Barkan
• Drummer Stix Hooper (who sent a written message)

At the venue, speeches were given by:
• Craig Holiday Haynes
• Christian McBride
• Louis Hayes
• Jeff “Tain” Watts
• Craig Handy

Live performances featured:
• Donald Harrison
• Christian McBride
• Robert Rodriguez
• Craig Holiday Haynes
• Jaleel Shaw
• Ed Howard
• Craig Handy
• Marcus Gilmore
• Jeff “Tain” Watts

Finally, my sister, Leslie K. Haynes Gilmore, delivered the closing speech.
My father’s music and spirit will continue to live on.




That night, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church was filled with Roy Haynes’ presence. His rhythm was not a thing of the past—it was alive and resonating.
As Craig Holiday Haynes put it:
“My father’s music and spirit will continue to live on.”
His swing will never stop, echoing through future generations of jazz musicians.