Jazz encyclopedias list John Handy as an alto saxophonist who plays the tenor, saxello, baritone, clarinet, oboe and vocals. He is actually a consummate world musician and teacher who has devoted his life to using music to elevate the human spirit.

His soulful and fiery saxophone style is instantly recognizable to generations of jazz fans world-wide.

As a performer and composer he continues to sweep audiences into ecstasy with his vast range of creative, emotional, and technical inventiveness. With a superb knowledge and practical experience with music of several cultures, he fuses, with each selection, a musical genre that is coherent, provocative, logical, and enjoyable.

As a singer, he brings a kind of storytelling narrative to the blues that is entertaining, educational, and moving; while his "up tempo" scat vocals could be compared to the best scat singers anywhere. He sings ballads with inventiveness that is rare among singers.          

                  Oil Painting, "Playing" by Bruni, The Jazz Masters Series, www.brunijazzart.com

 Special Invitation:  The John Handy Scholarship in Jazz Studies

San Francisco State University is proud to join with John Handy (B.A. '63), his family, and friends to launch "The John Handy Scholarship in Jazz Studies" in honor of his 75th birthday. The Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in Jazz Studies, including jazz performance, arranging, and composing. 

To make a contribution, Click on  http://www.creativearts.sfsu.edu/give  to reach the University's secure website; Click on "Give Now", and enter the information requested.  Under the heading "About Your Gift", click on the drop-down menu, select "I would like to Support", click on "The John Handy Scholarship in Jazz Studies", complete the remainder of the form, and submit.  OR by phone call SFSU Creative Arts Division at 415-405-2849.