ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ALAN WILLIAMS

Alan Williams, founder of the John Kirby Jazz Foundation and grandson of jazz legend John Kirby, was born and raised in Winchester, VA. A former student-athlete, he studied Computer Science at West Virginia University Potomac State College and later earned a Bachelor’s in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy State University. A Cold War and Desert Storm veteran, Alan served 20 years in the Navy, retiring in 2001. He later worked as a substitute teacher and retired from law enforcement as a Classification Specialist in 2021.

The John Kirby Jazz Foundation

Alan Williams is the founder of the John Kirby Jazz Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of John Kirby and educating future generations about the rich history of jazz. The foundation supports:

  • Jazz education programs
  • Historical preservation efforts
  • Annual John Kirby Day celebrations

Join the movement and celebrate jazz history.