Life

Throughout her life, Jean Kittrell held a variety of roles – she was a daughter, wife, mother, student, professor, solo performer, band-leader, and advocate for the arts. In this section of the exhibit, we invite you to explore Jean’s life and performing career. Learn about her family, academic career at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and the entire timeline of Jean’s jazz career. Additionally, in “Managing a Band (or Three!),” read about the planning and organizing that went into a single performance of one of three bands led by Jean Kittrell. 

Portrait of Jean Kittrell on Caribbean Rotterdam Cruise, 2005

Portrait of Jean aboard Caribbean Cruise, 2005