Honoring Don Underwood

Don’s love of music was inspired by his very memorable experiences at the “Showplace of the Nation”, the Steel Pier. As a teenager, Don had the opportunity to see and hear all of the visiting dance bands of the early 1940’s. When groups led by Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw started showing up, his interest in music really was piqued. Don also listened to late night DJ’s William Williams and Fred Robbins, out of NYC. He was exposed to wide variety of music, including the music of Stan Kenton. Eventually Stan Kenton and his band made it to the Steel Pier and Don was “hooked for life.”

While Don consider himself a long time dedicated “listener” of jazz, he began playing the guitar in the early 1960’s and soon after, he connected with a group of musicians, which led to the formation of  “The Vibratones”, with Lee Lichtenberger on vibes, Sam Levine on bass, Jim Smilowski on drums, Bobby Bugdon on vocals and Don on rhythm guitar. From the late 1960’s through the 70’s they were a popular wedding and banquet band enjoying a steady weekend gig at The Harbor Inn, and later as the house band at Copsey’s. Don reflected on his guitar playing days:  “I got a great deal of joy out of playing just as a rhythm guitarist, made a few bucks and helped put the girls through college.

Don’s relationship with what was then the Somers Point Jazz Society began in 2000. Don recalls: “I went to a Sunday afternoon jazz event in Somers Point, great music, but very poorly attended. As a result of filling out a door prize card, I ended up with a letter from Nick Regine asking if I would be interested in joining a group that was trying to get jazz started in Somers Point.”

Don’s expertise helped redefine the direction and the vision of what is now the South Jersey Jazz Society. He brought a wealth of jazz knowledge along with numerous contacts with local jazz musicians.

He was proud to serve as the first Artistic Director for this group. In 2009 Don retired from the South Jersey jazz Society’s Board of Directors. He continued to be friend and supporter of the organization until his death in 2017. He received the 2010 Jazz Master Award.

“Nick Regine, Founder and President often credited Don as being the one person most responsible for the success of the organization. “If it wasn’t for Don the jazz scene in this area would not be what it is today!!”