John M. Watson Sr.

John M. Watson Sr.(January 10, 1937 - September 7, 2006) was an Americanjazzmusician and actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such asGroundhog Day,The Fugitive,Natural Born Killers,andSoul Food.He was also a noted trombonist with musiciansRed SaundersandCount Basie.

Life and career

Watson was born inAlbany, New York,on January 10, 1937. His father was a musician who was known as an outstanding piano player, often subbing for the great Art Tatum. His mother was a college athlete and singer. Watson was raised inMiddletown, Ohio.He graduated from Middletown High School in 1954, where he was a member of the band. After serving four years in theUnited States Armyhe attendedMiami Universitywhere he also met his wife of 44 years, Virginia. They had had three sons and two daughters. Watson majored in Music Education and graduated in 1962. Watson was a member of the Miami University marching band, the orchestra, and the concert band. He also led his own band on the campus of Miami, performing often for various campus functions. He was also a member ofPhi Mu Alphamusic fraternity, and ofAlpha Phi Alphafraternity.

After graduation in 1962, he planned to travel toLos Angelesto pursue his dream of being a musician, but stopped inChicagoto see a family member and never left. Shortly after arriving in Chicago, he joined theRed SaundersBand,which was the 17 piece house band at the historicRegal Theater.Watson played with the band, his first day being the day thatStevie Wonderrecorded his first song - Fingertips - which was recorded live at the Regal. Watson was also on other famous live recordings from the Regal Theater, includingGene Chandler'sRainbow'65.He also traveled with variousMotownacts includingMarvin Gayeand theFour Tops.During this time he was a part of several recordings from artists such asJack Mc Duff,James Cotton,Barbara AcklinandEtta James.Watson also worked as a band teacher during this time atDu Sable,DunbarandCVShigh schools.

In 1968 he joined the band atJesse Jackson'sOperation Breadbasket,led byBen Branch.Watson would later serve as the musical director of Operation Push, and continued to play in the band until the late 70s. In 1969 he played with theJackson Fiveuntil 1970, when he joined theCount BasieBand,about which he said, "Other than going to heaven I can't think of anything better". By this time, two of his children had been born. Weary from being on the road 50 weeks out of the year and away from his family, he left the band in late 1972.

Upon returning from the road, he worked atManley High Schoolas the band director. Manley had been an upper grade center that was becoming a high school. Watson started the band from scratch, and turned it into one of the most successful high school bands in Chicago. He was one of the most popular teachers at Manley. In 1982 he left Manley and went toHirsch High Schoolas the band director. He retired in 1996. Of course he continued to perform around Chicago, first with bassistCleveland Eaton,a longtime colleague who had since left theRamsey Lewistrio. His roster of acts he has played with is a veritable who's who in jazz music and includesVon Freeman,Franz Jackson,the Ellington Dynasty,Sonny Stitt,Ella Fitzgerald,Joe Williams,and many others.

In 1987 Watson was asked to audition for a lottery commercial in Chicago. He got the job, and the commercial was voted as the most popular in Chicago. This began his acting career. Later that year, he took a role as Cutler, the bandleader inMa Rainey's Black Bottom.The play became the highest grossing play in Chicago that year, and featured a youngHarry Lennix.He had several theater roles over the years, includingTwo Train's Running,I'm Not Rappaport,and theLion and the Jewel.He was also in theSteppenwolf Theaterproduction ofOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,which starredGary Sinise.After a successful run at the Steppenwolf, the play ran for nine months onBroadway,and six months in London. Watson also was aJoseph JeffersonAward Winnerfor his work asMusical DirectorofDuke Ellington's Play "Jump for Joy" which had a successful run at theRoyal George Theater.

Watson's first movie role was as Harold Monroe in the 1990 movieOpportunity KnocksstarringDana Carvey.He had 13 movies to his credit, including key roles as Bones Roosevelt inThe Fugitive,the Bartender inGroundhog Day,and Uncle Pete inSoul Food.He also made television appearances inThe UntouchablesandEarly Edition,and appeared in numerous television and radio commercials.

Watson died on September 7, 2006, ofnon-Hodgkin lymphoma.

External links

• John M. Watson Sr.atIMDb