Swing Lowe is a loving tribute to the remarkable trio of James Leroy (J.L.) Lowe, Sammy Lowe, and Leatha Lowe Bell, immersed into music as children, in their own distinct musical areas, contributed to the excitement of the big band swing era, the recording and arranging of hit tunes and the spirituality of gospel renditions.
J. L. Lowe founded the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame to insure that the contributions would be engraved in our memories forever. The fire that destroyed precious memorabilia as well as the lives of Sammy and Leatha make Swing Lowe even more enchanting; and most significant within the backdrop of the civil rights struggle in Birmingham and across the nation.
While Sammy went on the road with the Erskine Hawkins' Jazz Band, J. L. and Leatha, followed in the footsteps of John T. "Fess" Whatley keeping the home fires burning by creating musicians, educators and archivists.
Drawing on the interviews with J.L., a beloved humanitarian; Sammy's candid and humorous unpublished memoirs, depicting a rare talent crossing musical genres; Leatha's dedication to gospel music and teaching piano; the wealth of newspaper articles and memorabilia, Dr. Marzette-Bolivar brings the Birmingham musicians during those swinging days to life once more!
