Jack Normand Trio
The Jack Normand Trio was the original name of Ro Reddick's fathers band back in the 1950's. The group was comprised of Sage "Jack" Normand on piano/accordian, [???]Jimmy Dupont on upright bass, and [???]Vaughn Gamon on vibraphone. It was in [???]that Jack and his "orchestra" were invited from their home in New Orleans to play for the reopening of a resort hotel in south Alabama called the Grand Hotel. They contracted him to play a two-week gig, and then, as the story goes, they never let him go back home.
The years went by, and night after night the Jack Normand Trio played lunch and dinner at the hotel, and in the lounge until late. As the time passed, the musician's families grew, and when Jack saw that all five of his children had musical talent, he decided to train them to help in his band. One by one, he gave each of his children (willing or no) experience playing in his band, until all were capable of playing piano, bass or drums -- whichever was needed. Eventually, the Jack Normand Trio became the Normand Family Band, as Jack's children filled in for the other two original members who died. The Normand Family continued to provide music to the Grand Hotel (eventually bought by Marriott) six nights a week until finally, their gig came to an end in [???]. In total, Jack and his family were the "house band" for the Grand Hotel for an astounding 50 years running.
Members
Sage "Jack" Normand - piano/accordian (years?) Johnny Dupont - (???) (years?) Vaughn Gamon - vibraphone (years?) Willie Leon - trumpet/bass (years?) David Normand - drums/piano (years?) Robert Normand - trumpet/piano (years?) Laurie Normand - bass (years?)
Jack's Talented Family
- David Arthur - drums and miscellaneous percussion, piano, bass
- Glenn Anthony - piano, drums, clarinet, bass
- Jeanine Ann - piano, bass, drums, clarinet, oboe
- Robert Andrew - piano, bass, drums, trumpet, cello, and many, many others
- Laurie Ann - piano, bass, drums, clarinet, bass clarinet, guitar
Trivia
- Many TV/movie stars stayed at the hotel through the years and they all loved Jack's music, especially Joni Mitchell, who played beside Jack all night, and then went to his house later.
- Jack and his family were featured by Paul Harvey on his radio commentary show in [???]
