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Active and Notable Alumni

Carmen de Lavallade

Legendary career spans over six decades; once danced in the cafeteria at Jefferson High.

Rene Bloch

Known as “Mr. Latin”, organize and conducted early historic Latin Jazz Bands.

David Campos

David Campos is respected attorney, commissioner and politician in San Francisco. Currently a member of San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Bobby West

Bobby West is an internationally known classical and jazz pianist. Currently the founder of the Bobby West Trio.

Stanley Crouch

Stanley Crouch is a famous music critic, educator, musician and television personality. Currently President of the Louis Armstrong Foundation.

Merry Clayton

Merry Clayton is an American soul and gospel singer (both solo and back-up), and an actress. Merry is featured in the Oscar-winning documentary: 20 Feet from Stardom.

Rickey Minor

Rickey Minor is a highly successful Music Director, Composer, Producer and Author. Rickey has worked with some of the world ’s most celebrated performers.

Roy Ayers

Roy is an award-winning jazz vibraphonist, band leader, composer, vocalist and music director. Roy music has been sampled by numerous music artist.

Tony Maiden

Tony Maiden is a legendary guitarist, singer and songwriter, he gained prominence as the guitarist and vocalist for the funk group Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

Ernie Andrews

Ernie Andrews is an American jazz, blues, and pop singer, Ernie was prominent figure in the documentary Blues for Central Avenue.

Mablean Ephriam

Mablean Ephriam is a former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney, best known as the adjudicator of the courtroom series Divorce Court. Mablean is Well known as court judge for Tyler Perry’s Madea movies.

Hilly Hicks

Hilly Hicks is perhaps best known as Lewis Moore in the TV mini-series: Roots. Hilly had numerous character actor role in 1970’s. He is current Senior Pastor at Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Bobby Watson

Bobby Watson is a prolific bass player, composer, band leader and producer, he gained prominence as the guitarist and vocalist for the funk group Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

Carl Burnett

Carl Burnett crisp, elegant and swinging drum work has graced countless live performances and recordings.