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Dr. Charles J. Elmore

Charles J. Elmore, a native Savannahian, is a tenured professor of humanities, and head, mass communications department, Savannah State University where he has taught for thirty years. He holds a BS degree in biology and chemistry from Savannah State College, the MA degree in journalism and Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

He has published in refereed and non-refereed journals, and is noted as an authority on black history in Savannah, history of Savannah, jazz history, jazz history from an afrocentric perspective, African American Oral Tradition, African American literature/poetry and the history of Savannah State University. He has delivered major lectures at the Beach Institute, Georgia Historical Society, First Bryan Baptist Church, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, National Freedom Day Association (Philadelphia), Georgia Music Hall of Fame (Macon), Georgia Civil War Commission, and lectures at local schools on African American history and literature. Elmore is the author of several historical monographs “Athletic Saga of Savannah State College,” (1992), “An Historical Guide to Laurel Grove Cemetery South (1998), and has authored five books - Richard R. Wright, Sr., at GSIC, 1891-1921 – A Protean Force for the Social Uplift and Higher Education of Black Americans (1996); All That Savannah Jazz…From Brass Bands, Vaudeville, to Rhythm and Blues (1999 – published by Savannah State University); The History of the First Bryan Baptist Church – 1788-2001: Oldest Continuous Black Baptist Church in America (July - 2002); General Hunter’s Proclamation: The Quest for African American Freedom Before and During the Civil War – National Park Service - Eastern National - June 2002; Savannah, Georgia – Arcadia Publishing – March 2002 - Black America Series of Arcadia Publishing).

Additionally, he has contributed over twenty articles on the history of jazz in Savannah to Noteworthy, official newsletter of the Coastal Jazz Association. His research has been cited in the Atlanta Constitution, Washington Post, Bay State Banner, Savannah Morning News, Savannah Magazine; Love Chronicles – Arts and Entertainment Network; and Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Elmore serves on the Historical Marker Committee of the Georgia Historical Society, and was appointed by the Honorable Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia, to the Civil War Commission from 2000 – 2003. Elmore was named 1997-98 Regents’ Distinguished Professor at Savannah State University. Additionally, he was named the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year of the St.Pius X High School National Alumni Association.

In February 1999, Elmore received one of the six prestigious Governor’s Award in the Humanities from the Honorable Roy Barnes, Governor of Georgia, for his efforts in preserving and sharing African American history and culture.

SSU Publishes "All That Jazz"
Culmination of Five Years of Research by Professor Charles J. Elmore

Dr. Charles Elmore, Professor of Humanities and Coordinator of the Mass Communications Program is the author of a recently published book that documents the history of entertainment and jazz in the Savannah area. Published by Savannah State University, All That Savannah Jazz, is a historical account of the evolution of jazz in the city of Savannah from 1918, when the first Black music club, the "Old One Hundred," was established, to the 1960’s, when jazz music fell victim to another emerging musical genre.
          In the preface, Dr. Elmore writes: "The drama unfolds with a history of the great brass bands of the 1870s, followed by an extensive discussion of how Vauderville evolved among locals and nonlocals primarily at the Pekin Theater, which opened in 1909, near West Broad and Charles Streets, and ends with how rhythm-and-blues music evolved in the fifties and temporarily forced jazz into exile by 1960."
          The book includes a chapter to native Savan- nahians who were prominent musicians, singers and venue promoters and influenced the genre locally and throughout the nation. The chapter includes approximately 65 biographies beginning with Thomas John "Teddy" Adams and ending with James Osborne "Trummy" Young, both trombonists.
          Elmore shows that Savannah was a Mecca for some of the biggest names in entertainment. He also gives a chronological development of both music and musicians through the years.
          Savannah State University’s role in the jazz evolution is woven throughout All That Savannah Jazz. If you are a serious jazz fan, a lover of music in general, or someone who enjoys reading a good book, All That Savannah Jazz is a "must" for reading.

NOTE: This article was featured in the September 1999 issue of Noteworthy, the newsletter of the Coastal Jazz Association and the University Faculty Voice.