Legendary San Francisco Jazzman

The legendary jazz bassist Vernon Alley was born May 26, 1915, in Winnemuca, Nevada. His father was a barber, a railroad man, and a laborer. His mother was a hotel worker. He came to San Francisco as a child and has always called The City his home.

As a young man, his parents took him to see the jazz great Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton. From that moment, jazz was to become his first love in a magical life that touched many people and broke many barriers.

Vernon Alley's life as a pioneering jazz bassist spanned more than seven decades. The deep chords of his bass set the tone for Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Coleman Hawkins. Alley picked the long, thick strings as Billie Holiday sang the blues and Ella Fitzgerald enchanted the nation with her soulful melodies.

Vernon Alley's contribution to jazz and the City he loved took many forms. Like most black men of his era, he had to struggle against racism to achieve success. He is credited with almost single handedly integrating San Francisco's musician's unions and breaking a long-standing color line that kept black musicians of his day from playing east of Van Ness Avenue. His toughness, combined with an irresistible charm, helped him in his quest for equality. Vernon Alley was the first black man to join the exclusive Bohemian Club in 1974.

In addition to being a great musician, Vernon Alley was also an All City running back at Commerce High, Hall of Famer at San Francisco State University, pioneering disc jockey, television personality and long time member of the City's Human Rights Commission and Arts Commission.

Vernon Alley has brought life, love and the language of jazz to his fellow San Franciscans. This alley is dedicated to his contributions to San Francisco, the nation and to jazz.

On November 19, 2003, Vernon Alley, his family, friends, fellow musicians and fans joined Lennar Communities and LNR Partners in the dedication of this alleyway in his honor.

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