Recognizing and honoring the Late Jeff Duperon, a beloved ambassador of Jazz music in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS,

On June 17, 2019 Jeff Duperon departed this life following a battle with cancer, leaving his family, friends and Philadelphia’s jazz community to mourn the loss of one of its greatest and most beloved ambassadors

; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon hosted the “In a Mellow Tone,” “Jukebox Jazz,” and “Noveau Jazz Showcase” shows on 90.1 WRTI, in which he shared his incredible knowledge of and passion for jazz with countless listeners over the radio three to four hours at a time; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon was born and raised in New Orleans, where his love of jazz, R&B, zydeco, gospel, classical, and funk music germinated. He began his radio career there as a morning drive-time announcer on WWOZ-AM. After graduating from Tulane University in 1996, Duperon found a home in Philadelphia, immediately becoming involved with WRTI; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon volunteered at community and public radio stations for over 15 years, effectively using the medium of radio to cultivate and educate jazz audiences. He also sought to educate younger generations about jazz, developing a jazz studies curriculum taught at Bluford Elementary School in West Philadelphia and Young Scholars Charter School in the Poplar neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon was one of the Philadelphia jazz community’s most recognizable, well-regarded personalities. He frequently attended, hosted, and booked acts at jazz venues around the region; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon was the Board President and then the Executive Director of Jazz Bridge, a nonprofit organization that supports jazz and blues musicians in need through funds and services. Every third Wednesday of the month, Duperon hosted Jazz Bridge’s Neighborhood Concert Series in Roxborough with Rhenda Fearrington. The concert series spotlighted local jazz musicians, and all proceeds went towards supporting the work of Jazz Bridge; and

WHEREAS, During Jazz Appreciation Month in April 2018, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy presented Jeff Duperon with the Philly Celebrates Jazz Award in recognition of his advocacy and contributions to the jazz genre and community

; and

WHEREAS, On February 2, 2017 this Council appointed Jeff Duperon to the Task Force on the Philadelphia Music Industry. Jeff Duperon made many valuable contributions to the Task Force’s work towards making Philadelphia a preeminent destination for the music industry and a thriving City for musicians. Duperon also served as a judge for the PHL LIVE Center Stage Music Initiative Jazz Finalist Show for several years; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Duperon cared deeply about jazz music and the people who make it. His legacy will live on through the listeners in whom he cultivated a love of jazz, the artists he sustained and supported, and the music that captured his heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him in person and through the radio;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the late Jeff Duperon, a beloved ambassador of jazz music in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jeff Duperon, further evidencing the sincere condolences and respect of this legislative body.

End