I am completing a biography of jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk, and as you probably know his former manager, Harry Colomby, taught English at FRHS in the mid 50s into the 60s. I have spoken with Colomby extensively over the last few years and he's been quite helpful. But I'm trying to track down some specifics: 1) he organized a few jazz concerts at the High School in 1955 and 1956, and I'm wondering if these were announced in the school paper or if there is some documentation as to the exact dates; 2) I would love to speak with someone who had him as a teacher during those years.

I was wondering if you might be able to post a query on the alumni website or perhaps put me in touch with possible eye-witnesses.  Any advice, assistance, etc. you can give me will be most appreciated.

Please feel free to e-mail me at this address or rdkelley@usc.edu

Sincerely,

Robin D. G. Kelley

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