FC Music Professor Inducted in Jazz Hall of Fame
The University of Northern Iowa School of Music will induct FC professor James Linahon into the Jazz Hall of Fame on Friday, April 8, 2016 for his contributions as a trumpeter, music educator, professional music producer and role model at UNI. After completing his studies at UNI and earning his master’s degree from the University of North Texas, Linahon moved to Los Angeles where he performed in the band of legendary artist Frank Sinatra.
Linahon’s work with Sinatra led to performances on television, radio, in films and at exceptional live performances. At the same time, Linahon was establishing himself as an extraordinary music educator, growing the program at Chaffey College from modest to award winning and robust, before beginning a lifelong career with Fullerton College. 2016 marks his 40th year as a college music professor.
Having already established himself as an outstanding performer and educator, Linahon delved into music production in the 1980s. His projects have included Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe and Downbeat award-winning projects including the ABC Network Series Oceanus, the NBC Tournament of Roses Parade, the BBC’s All-American Boy’s Choir and London Symphony, the EPCOT Center opening ceremonial music at Disney World and on air music for the unveiling of the refurbished Statue of Liberty. Linahon served the U.S. State Department as a United States Cultural Ambassador to the Middle East and Africa, and a fanfare from his classical trumpet CD “Gradus ad Parnassum” was chosen as the official fanfare for the United Nations for 1997-1998.
Linahon’s recent work includes the first jazz recording in China for the TJO Taipei Jazz Orchestra, music for Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut movie In the Land of Blood and Honey, The Markus Burger Trio “The LA Sessions”, “Unforgettable” by NBB Jazz Orchestra with Sherry Williams, blues artist Jake Sears’ “Anomaly” and composer Peter Boyer and the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Symphony #1”.
