Morris Nanton, 80 of Perth Amboy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 15. Mr. Nanton was born and raised in Perth Amboy. During the Korean War, he served his country with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces as a member of the 5th Army Division Band. After receiving full scholarship, he graduated from Perth Amboy High School as well as the Juilliard Conservatory of Music in New York. The Morris Nanton Trio, which performed together for 53 years, is well-known throughout the metro area. They also shared the stage with Norman Edge, bassist extraordinaire. The trio completed a 22-year run at the Cove in Roselle where jazz legends like Don Elliott, Sal Nestico and Babs Gonzalez shared the spotlight. They have shared the stage with Tito Puente and the Count Basie Orchestra at many jazz festivals and universities. They have performed with vocalists Mel Torme and Nel Carter, as well as Barbara Streisand. Their recordings include “Flower Drum Song”, “Roberta” and “The First Jazz Piano Trio,” on Warner Bros.; “Ray Ellis Orchestra and Chorus,” Big Big Voice of Lovelace Watkins,” “Big Big Voice of Lovelace Watkins,” and “Something We’ve got,” “Preface” and “Soul Fingers” respectively on the Prestige label. Their latest CD release is “A Christmas Present.” They have also performed for Walter Cronkite and Eileen Ford. Their recording of “Ja Da”, which was recorded by Apollo during the first orbit around Earth, was the first music that was heard in outer space. Morris Nanton was inducted into Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame on March 1, 2001. It recognizes his outstanding history of service, leadership, and other meritorious achievements. The New York Times featured the Trio’s performance in Shanghai Jazz in May 2008. In an article entitled “Jazz Survivors”, they were praised for their performance. Up to September 2009, the Morris Nanton Trio performed at Shanghai Jazz in Madison. They also performed as a soloist on Sundays at the Quay at Sea Bright. His 80th birthday was the day before Morris’ last performance, which took place on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Edward and Elsie, his parents, predeceased him. Ena, his beloved sister-in law, was also there. His wife Lisa Nanton, his 27-year-old daughter; his sons Seth and Jesse Nanton; brother LeRoy Nanton, as well as their nephews Dennis and Hugh and their niece Lori Nanton Harris. Morris was a mentor and teacher to many of the Consortium’s musicians. from http://www.somersetjazz.com
