Biography
Jack Maheu (May 1, 1930 – August 27, 2013) was an acclaimed American jazz clarinetist whose career spanned over five decades and left a lasting mark on the Dixieland and traditional jazz scenes. Born and raised in Plattsburgh, New York, Maheu initially studied art at Plattsburgh State College and the Pratt Institute, but his passion for music soon took precedence. He began performing professionally in the early 1950s, recording two albums for Jubilee Records before joining the renowned Dukes of Dixieland in 1957, where he contributed to eight albums and helped with arrangements. After leaving the Dukes in 1959, Maheu led his own band in Chicago, toured with Muggsy Spanier, and collaborated with jazz greats such as Bob Scobey, Jimmy McPartland, Art Hodes, and Pee Wee Russell.
Maheu's career was characterized by versatility and a deep commitment to the jazz tradition. In 1961, he co-led the re-formed Salt City Six, and in the 1980s, he became a fixture at Eddie Condon’s Jazz Club in New York, recording the album 'Condon’s Hot Lunch.' His move to New Orleans in 1990 marked a new chapter, where he quickly became one of the city’s most respected clarinetists, leading bands at Fritzel’s Jazz Pub and forming the Fire In The Pet Shop Callithumpian Jazz Band, which won the New Orleans French Quarter Jazz Festival Battle of the Bands three years in a row. Maheu was celebrated for his expansive, melodic playing style, drawing inspiration from clarinet legends but always expressing a unique voice. He remained active in the New Orleans jazz community until a stroke in 2006 forced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy as both a performer and mentor to younger musicians.
Fun Facts
- Jack Maheu helped design his own house in New Orleans using his architectural training from Pratt Institute.
- He played an impromptu jam session for East Germans coming through the Berlin Wall in 1989 with the Paradise Jazz Band.
- Maheu was known as 'The General' among New Orleans musicians for his leadership and mentorship at Fritzel’s Jazz Pub.
- His favorite song was Irving Berlin’s 1922 'Some Sunny Day.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Benny Goodman - Stylistic influence; Maheu acknowledged a debt to Goodman in his clarinet approach. (General influence on Maheu's melodic style) [1940s–1950s]
- Artie Shaw - Stylistic influence; Maheu cited Shaw as an admired figure. (General influence on phrasing and tone) [1940s–1950s]
- Pee Wee Russell - Stylistic influence and collaborator; Maheu both admired and recorded with Russell. (Collaborations and stylistic influence) [1950s–1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Dukes of Dixieland - Band member, arranger, and recording artist (Eight albums (1957–1959)) [1957–1959]
- Muggsy Spanier - Touring and recording partner (Tour and recordings) [circa 1959–1961]
- Bob Scobey, Jimmy McPartland, Art Hodes, George Brunis, Vic Dickenson, George Wettling, Bud Freeman - Recording and performing collaborators (Various recordings and performances) [1950s–1960s]
- Will Alger - Co-leader of Salt City Six (Salt City Six band) [1961–1962]
- Wild Bill Davison - Bandmate in Salt City Six (One-year tour) [1962]
- Pee Wee Erwin - Recording collaborator (Condon’s Hot Lunch album (1980)) [1980]
- Paradise Jazz Band - Co-founder and performer (Tours and recordings, including Berlin Wall jam session) [1988–1990]
- Al Hirt - Touring musician (Six-month tour and New Orleans engagements) [1990]
Artists Influenced
- Tim Laughlin - Younger clarinetist influenced by Maheu’s traditional style and mentorship in New Orleans (Collaborations and stylistic influence) [1990s–2000s]
- Numerous younger New Orleans clarinetists - Mentor and inspiration; known as 'The General' at Fritzel’s Jazz Pub, where many learned from him (Live performances and informal mentorship) [1990–2006]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Maheu in New Orleans | 1997 | Album |
| Live in Germany | 2005-04-01 | Album |
| Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree | 2004 | Album |
| Swing That Music | 1995 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Emaline (Jack Maheu in New Orleans)
- I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter (New Orleans Jazz)
- Avalon (Tom Mcdermott and His Jazz Hellions)
- Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (New Orleans Jazz)
- Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree (Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree)
- My Inspiration (Swing That Music)
- Old Fashioned Love (Swing That Music)
- Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You) (New Orleans Jazz)
- I Want a Little Girl (Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree)
- Back in Your Own Back Yard (Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jack Maheu has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 13, 2025 | 10:17 | Runnin' Wild | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 09:25 | Do You Ever Think of Mefrom Trad Jazz- The Language of New O | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper |