Musician. A bandleader, trumpeter and songwriter, he will be remembered for his gold single "Grazing in the Grass" (1968). He received his first trumpet during his teenage years and acquired experience in his first ensemble "The Huddleston Jazz Band." He followed this with membership in highly-notable group "The Jazz Epistles." In 1960, Masekela moved to New York where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music. During this period, he was exposed and influenced by a bevy of of American Jazz legends which included Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Mingus. Establishing his own remarkable sound, he recorded his first album "Trumpet Africaine" in 1962. In 1967, Masekela had a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival and one year later, his instrumental version of "Grazing in the Grass" achieved a number one placing on the American pop chart. Over the course of his career, he recorded more than three dozen albums and worked with scores of artists. In addition to music, he was a passionate advocate for change in his native South Africa. He remained an active performer until battling prostate cancer from which he succumbed.
Musician. A bandleader, trumpeter and songwriter, he will be remembered for his gold single "Grazing in the Grass" (1968). He received his first trumpet during his teenage years and acquired experience in his first ensemble "The Huddleston Jazz Band." He followed this with membership in highly-notable group "The Jazz Epistles." In 1960, Masekela moved to New York where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music. During this period, he was exposed and influenced by a bevy of of American Jazz legends which included Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Mingus. Establishing his own remarkable sound, he recorded his first album "Trumpet Africaine" in 1962. In 1967, Masekela had a memorable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival and one year later, his instrumental version of "Grazing in the Grass" achieved a number one placing on the American pop chart. Over the course of his career, he recorded more than three dozen albums and worked with scores of artists. In addition to music, he was a passionate advocate for change in his native South Africa. He remained an active performer until battling prostate cancer from which he succumbed.
Bio by: C.S.
Inscription
Robala ka kgotso Mokwena (Rest in peace, Brother)
Gravesite Details
A pavilion dedicated to Hugh Ramapolo Masakela is near the entrance to Westpark Cemetery, inscribed with many quotes relating to his life.
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