FRANK ADAMS, SR.

Frank Adams Sr. began his music career as a clarinet soloist at the age of nine, under the tutelage of William W. Handy and John T. "Fess" Whatley. He has performed in the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Howard University Swingmasters, and with Erskine Hawkins. He served for 47 years as a music teacher and supervisor of music for Birmingham City Schools. Adams has earned degrees from Howard University, the University of Chicago and Samford University. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 1978, Adams was inducted as a charter member into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. In 1998 he was named executive director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, replacing the late J.L. Lowe who was founder and director.