Price Hill Will commissioned five Cincinnati artists to create portraits of revolutionary musicians of color as a dedication celebrating their life and contributions. Beginning in August, each of the five portraits will be displayed at businesses and organizations along the East Price Hill Business District, with copies displayed at the Firehouse. After one year, all five original portraits will be installed at the Firehouse, where they will be on permanent display.
Nicole Trimble’s portrait of Big Joe Duskin will be on display at Santa Maria Community Services Warsaw Avenue location. Here is what Nicole writes about her portrait:
“Renowned blues and boogie-woogie pianist and mainstay of Cincinnati’s music scene since the 30s, Big Joe Duskin is a true Cincinnati legend. For the Musicians of Color Portrait Project, I chose to paint a portrait of the revolutionary Duskin in recognition of the powerful energy of the blues icon and serve as a reminder of the lasting impact he has made on Cincinnati and the entire jazz community.
Growing up in the 30s during boogie-woogie’s hay day, Joe started playing piano at a very young age. Music was an important part of the Duskin household, but as a preacher’s son Joe was strictly forbidden from playing what his father called the “Devil’s music.” But this didn’t stop Joe, and through his teen years he immersed himself in the world of jazz and boogie-woogie, keeping his playing a secret from his father. But after a heated confrontation at the age 17 when Joe was caught playing boogie-woogie for a visitor to the Duskin house, he made a promise that he would quit playing until after his father had passed away. This resulted in an almost 40 year hiatus from the music world until his father’s death in 1961, during which Joe lived an admirable life, serving in World War II and as one of Cincinnati’s first black police officers.
Once Joe returned to the music world, his career quickly took off and he enjoyed success both stateside and abroad, bringing the boogie-woogie style of his youth to the jazz scene of the 60s and 70s. Joe later became legendary not just for his piano playing but also for his role as a mentor to many area musicians, never refusing anyone who wanted to play with him and learn the blues. It’s my hope that this portrait of Joe will help to inspire the many young musicians who pass through the doors of the Warsaw Avenue Firehouse, just as he inspired the many musicians who came to sit with him and learn the blues.”
Stop by the Santa Maria Warsaw location at 3301 Warsaw Avenue to see the portrait, and be sure to view the other portraits at the following locations:
1. Big Mama Thornton by Lisa Tompkins located at Saint Lawrence Bakery
2. Nina Simone by Lizzy DuQuette located at Warsaw Avenue Firehouse
3. Sun Ra by David Corns located at Price Hill Recreation Center
4. Celia Cruz by Michelle D’Cruz located at Warsaw Federal
Find out more about each portrait here.
1. Big Mama Thornton by Lisa Tompkins located at Saint Lawrence Bakery
2. Nina Simone by Lizzy DuQuette located at Warsaw Avenue Firehouse
3. Sun Ra by David Corns located at Price Hill Recreation Center
4. Celia Cruz by Michelle D’Cruz located at Warsaw Federal