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In honor of International Women’s Day we spotlight the women behind the 19th Annual Asbury Park Black History Month celebration held at The Asbury.

The annual event, which celebrates local residents who have made their mark, is organized by Leesha Floyd and Cassandra Dickerson, two long running city employees have been the driving force behind many city events, including the upcoming Mayor’s Rodeo for Recreation, a recent clothing drive and distribution for the city’s homeless population, the annual Easter pageant and Halloween events.

This year the duo paired with Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton and Jennifer Souder of the Asbury Park Public Library Board of Trustees to honor those who have contributed to the city’s rich musical history.

Through its African American Music Heritage Project, the Asbury Park Public Library has begun to chronicle the sounds and stories that once flowed from west side clubs, porches and backyards. The project, funded by a $13,800 NJ Historical Commission [NJHC] grant, won the Giles R. Wright award during the 38th Annual Marion Thompson Wright lecture series at Rutgers University, Newark.

“The project’s goal is to ensure these extraordinarily talented local musicians are celebrated,” Souder said. “The Asbury Park Public Library and project partners are shining a light on the music and cultural heritage of Springwood Avenue through oral histories, research, writing, and programs. The larger than life personalities and homegrown musical talent are unique to this city by the sea but the stories reveal historical narratives shared with African American communities across the nation.”

The Black History event served as an unveiling of the project’s profile on three Asbury Park musicians – pianist Dolores Holland, saxophonist Clifford Johnson and drummer Alford Griffin.

“We celebrate these three phenomenal musicians, whose careers intersected on Springwood Avenue, as representatives of the local talent that inspired generations of music in the shore region and way beyond,” Souder said.  

Accolades were given during the Asbury Park Black History Month Celebration by Clayton and accented by proclamations from the Monmouth County Freeholders and state legislators.

“I am very honored to recognize three outstanding individuals and musicians for their contributions to the musical history of Asbury Park, and specifically the west side and Springwood Avenue,” Clayton said. “As a youth, I would walk down Springwood Avenue and hear music everywhere. The record store would have the latest 45 or LP playing…The music poured out of the clubs, Sammy Pugh at the Redwood, Frank Heppinstall at the Turf Club, and Shirley Scott at The Orchid Lounge. But this was late in our history. Music didn’t start in Asbury Park in the 70’s, it started way, way back. There was music in the late 1800’s and throughout the 20th Century – blues, jazz and everything in between.

“Research for this grant led us to these three amazing individuals and they are only the tip of the iceberg,” Clayton said. “Thanks to Jen Souder, Melissa KeeLing, Charles Trott, and Cathleen Melgar for working on this project. This grant has allowed us, along with many others, like Madonna Carter, Helen Pike and the Horners, to document and preserve the vibrant musical history that weaved in and out and around our community. We are interviewing and creating oral histories that will be preserved at Monmouth University thanks to Councilwoman Eileen Chapman and one day at a museum here in Asbury. We want present and future generations to understand their rich musical heritage which brings us to this day.

Below is a snapshot of the three as presented by Clayton:

Dolores “Dee” Holland was born in 1923 in Neptune, the 10th child of 11 children. Dee began playing piano at the early age of three years old. During the depression, her father who also played piano, escorted Dee to various locations where she astounded audiences with her musical ability. She continued to play with local bands into her teen years and adulthood, graduating from Neptune High School. She relocated to Washington, DC, working for the federal government with a career spanning 41 years, retiring from Fort Monmouth in 1988.

Dee continued to gig locally in the clubs in Asbury Park on Springwood Avenue and all over the Jersey Shore on the weekends, while playing in church on Sundays [Second Baptist, St Stephens AME Zion, and many others].  She has played with musicians that span as many generations in age as her years of musicianship. Her daughter Paulette, said she had a wicked left hand.

Cliff Johnson was born [in 1925] and raised in Asbury Park and started playing soprano sax at age 12. He turned his attention to the alto a short time later because he thought it sounded more like the human voice. Cliff has been a professional musician since his late teens, starting with the Squires of Rhythm, the Mod Squad, and fronted his own group. He has played with numerous other groups in the shore area. Cliff played in just every club on Springwood Avenue back in the day when there was music on every street corner, laying for the grand opening of Big Bills is one of his favorite memories.

In the 1960’s, Cliff joined the Don Linton big band in New Brunswick and they played primarily in New Jersey. Playing with the Don Linton band was special to Cliff, especially when they played the State Ballroom on Springwood Avenue. Cliff and his group travelled the tristate area and the east coast college circuit. Cliff still takes gigs once in awhile, his most recent appearances have with the Dorian Parreott Ensemble. When you see him perform, you are not likely to forget his tone, his solid jazz style, and his gospel sound.

Alford “Al” Griffin was born in 1929 in the apartment above the family business, Griffin’s Taylor Shop on Springwood Avenue. Al began his musical career as a drummer with the West Side Community Center Drum & Bugle Corps. His skills developed so quickly, he was soon on the front “drum” line. During his 20s, he moved to NYC where he studied with well known drummers  Cozy Cole and Gene Krupa.

He drummed locally, playing with both Dee Holland and Cliff Johnson at points along the way and performed in venues up and down Springwood Avenue. Al was a member of the Eddie Chamblee group and toured with Dinah Washington. He could be seen at the Apollo, up and down the east coast, and throughout the US and Europe. He also played with the Milt Buckner Band, Bob Crosby, Illinois Jacquet, Danny Turner, and a host of others. Even today, he still plays for himself.

Below is a film by Nate McAllister and Melissa Keeling, thanks to APTV:

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