Willis and Brian Kirk
Family Photos
A gig in Indy
A gig in Indy: Willis Kirk on drums Wes Montgomery on guitar Buddy Montgomery on piano Monk Montgomery on bass
A gig in San Francisco
A gig in San Francisco: Jimmy Scott-vocalist Willis Kirk on drums
Indy Jazz Artists
Indy Jazz artists who began playing in the 40s, 50s, 60s
Top Rows (left to right): Phillip Ranelin (trombone), Melvin Ry (piano organ), James Spaulding (sax), Jeff Chambers (bass), David Hardiman (trumpet), Slide Hampton (trombone), Larry Ridley (bass), Willis Kirk (drums), Leroy Vinegar (bass), Ray Appleton (drums)
Bottom Row (left to right): Virgil Jones (trumpet), David Baker (trombone), Benny Barth (drums), Buddy Montgomery (piano).
Willis is standing behind his good friend Benny Barth. Willis told me the story of how he brought Benny in as a member of the Bebop Society, a club of jazz enthusiasts, and the time the meeting was at Benny’s house. Willis laughed as he told me the story about the club meeting at Benny’s house and described the look of apprehension on Benny’s mother’s face when she heard them scat singing as she walked downstairs. Later Benny said that his mother remarked, “they are nice guys but what was that?”
Willis Kirk Teaching
Newspaper clipping Willis Kirk teaching students in Indianapolis Public Schools
