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Mayor John Hickenlooper, joined by Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, Denver Parks and Recreation Manager Kim Bailey, and several civic leaders including former Mayor Wellington Webb, unveiled a commemorative flagstone structure celebrating the life contributions of famous local musician George Morrison. The event was held at George Morrison Park, located at Gilpin and Martin Luther King Boulevard in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood. The Charlie Burrell Trio and The Denver Municipal Band provided musical selections including a perfect rendition of the Duke Ellington classic, "Sophisticated Lady."
"Denver is blessed with a rich history of amazing people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, making Denver an inspiring place to live," said Mayor John Hickenlooper. "George Morrison is one such citizen leader who--through his passion for music and community-- impacted and influenced the course of our national and local history."
George Morrison, born in 1881, learned how to play a violin by age two. He studied classical music at both the University of Colorado and Chicago’s Conservatory of Classical Music. By the age of 30, he had become a popular part of the American jazz scene and entertained listeners worldwide. During the Jazz Age, Blacks were not allowed to stay in most Denver hotels, so George Morrison’s home became the "inn for the in-crowd" of famous African American entertainers such as Count Basie, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Jelly Roll Morton, Eubie Blake, Andy Kirk, Jimmie Lunceford, Nat King Cole, Hattie McDaniel, and Duke Ellington.
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George Morrison was not only a leader in music, but also in his community. Between tours, he often provided free music lessons to students from his home in Denver. He volunteered as an assistant to vocal and instrumental teachers at several local schools including Whittier Elementary, Cole Junior High, and Manual High School. He also volunteered as a violinist for the Shorter AME Church for more than 58 years. He was active in the nonprofit organization Community Chest, and was honored for his 45 years of service to the Denver Red Cross.
"Denver has a wonderful history of naming parks in honor of civic leaders and acknowledgment of historical events," said Bailey. "This tradition is a perfect reflection of our community values; and it gives me great pride today to celebrate the memory of George Morrison with a dedication of such a beautiful piece of art, educational signage and several improvements to the park."
In addition to the commemorative art piece, the park improvements include irrigation system upgrades, new concrete park paths, new picnic tables and benches, a raised walkway leading around a musical note-shaped rose bed, and a sign educating visitors about the life accomplishments of George Morrison.
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