Ernie Andrews will receive an L.A. Jazz Treasure Award, presented by the Los Angeles Jazz Society for the sixth year in a row. Born in Philadelphia, Andrews grew up in Los Angeles, where he found his footing in jazz. He was part of the Harry James orchestra, the big band group led by actor and musician Harry James. Andrews has been a figurehead in L.A.'s jazz scene. Mitch Glickman, director of Music Programs at LACMA, recently spoke to Andrew about his life and work. 

Mitch Glickman: Ernie, you’ve long been identified with Central Avenue, the place for jazz from the 1930s to the 1960s in Los Angeles. Is there any way to describe Central Avenue for those unfamiliar with it?

Ernie Andrews: I came from Central Avenue. Started working there as a teenager and in 1945 was discovered at a talent show on Central Avenue. It was the hub for jazz at the time. Quite a street. It was another era so it’s hard to compare it to anything today but its popularity was immense.  It was a street filled with club after club, limousine after limousine,  presenting all the greatest talent of the day. Everyone from Dexter Gordon, Teddy Edwards, Gerald Wilson, and so many others.

MG: You’ve worked with so many legendary musicians over your 70-year career. Is it possible to list a favorite collaborator?

EA: I can’t begin to tell you how much these relationships meant to me. They taught me so much more than music, about people, about performing, about show business. I started with the Andy Kirk Big Band and some of my more memorable collaborations also included the Count Basie and Duke Ellington bands, Benny Carter, Lena Horne, Etta James, Gene Harris SuperBand, and Cab Calloway, who once said, “You remind me of me when I was your age."

MG: What does it mean to you to be the recipient of LACMA & LA Jazz Society’s sixth-annual L.A. Jazz Treasure Award?

EA: This award reflects an accomplishment. I’ve had a wonderful dream and enjoyed the ride along the way. I appreciate the honor, but still look forward to performing all the songs that are still to be sung.