Father Norman O'Connor

Born: November 20, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan

Died: June 29, 2003 in Wayne, New Jersey

Known as "The Jazz Priest", Norman O'Connor was an American radio/TV host, jazz columnist and critic, an important communicative and promotive figure of the 50's/60's New York jazz scene. He was a member of the board of directors at Newport Jazz Festival since its first edition in in 1954 (the festival for which he was also master of ceremony of the concerts and moderator for many years); host of the radio and TV show "Dial M For Music" on CBS TV during the 60's; and Vice President of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.