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Arts Alive! podcast: John Lamb and Bryan J. Hughes
Talking over a lifetime of jazz with the legendary bassman.
Today’s Arts Alive! podcast is all about jazz, and a Saturday event that’s already sold out.
It sold out because the guest of honor, bassist John Lamb, just celebrated his 92nd birthday. The Florida native, and longtime St. Petersburg resident, came to the studio for a conversation about his extraordinary life so far.
Lamb was accompanied by vocalist Bryan J. Hughes (who’s considerably younger). Hughes and a crackerjack band of bay area musicians will celebrate Lamb’s latest milestone at Saturday’s Side Door Cabaret show. The man himself will sit in for a couple of tunes.
Mr. Lamb began his musical career playing tuba with a U.S. Air Force Band, and after a few years of music college education, and apprenticeship, was hired as a fulltime member of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra. All in all, he spent seven years playing for Sir Duke.
And that, among many other things, is something to talk about.
Click on the arrow to listen to the interview.
Shirley Smith-Hayes
January 22, 2026at7:32 pm
Mr. Lamb is a former music teacher at Baypoint Middle School and a great musician. He deserves the honors.