Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Hurricane Beryl kills 22 in Houston.

• Port considers trading Dan Houston to Dees.

• A deep dive into the life of Craighton Berman.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

– Harper Lee

Trivia

Which Houston university is well-known for its law and business schools?

A) University of Houston

B) Rice University

C) Texas Southern University

D) Houston Baptist University

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The tallest freestanding statue in Houston is A) Sam Houston Statue.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Hurricane Beryl caused at least 22 Houston-area deaths, with more than half power outage-related. (link)

A summer cooldown coming to South Texas. Here’s when temps fall. (link)

🏒 Sports

Port look to trade Dan Houston to Dees. (link)

Houston Astros Promote Past World Series Champion in Latest Roster Shakeup (link)

🏦 Finance

Houston begins auctioning bike-sharing equipment, with online bids for bicycles starting at $10. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Houston Texans Training Camp: Day 6
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Sunday, Aug 11th | 5:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Forrest Frank
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Thursday, Aug 8th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Ownboss
Stereo Live - Houston, Houston, TX
Friday, Aug 9th | 10:00 PM | (More info)

🏚️ Earthquake
Houston Improv 7620 Katy Freeway, Ste. 455 Houston, TX
Friday, Aug 9th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Family Story Time
Jacinto City Branch Library, Houston, TX
Thursday, Aug 8th | 11:15 AM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Houston with advanced weather control systems” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1971: Houston's first marathon is held.

In 1971, Houston hosted its first marathon, marking the beginning of what would become a celebrated annual tradition. The event, organized by the Houston Marathon Committee, aimed to promote physical fitness and bring the community together through the sport of long-distance running. The inaugural race attracted a modest number of participants but laid the groundwork for the growth and popularity of the marathon in the years to come.

The course for the first Houston Marathon was designed to showcase the city's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, starting and ending in Memorial Park. Runners faced the challenge of completing the 26.2-mile distance, navigating through the urban landscape while being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The successful execution of the event demonstrated the city's capacity to host large-scale athletic events and fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment among the participants.

Over the years, the Houston Marathon has grown significantly, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. It has become a key event on the international marathon calendar, known for its fast, flat course and excellent organization. The marathon's success has contributed to Houston's reputation as a vibrant and active city, encouraging residents to embrace a healthy lifestyle and participate in community events.

Famous People From Houston

Craighton Berman (1919–1999): Influential jazz musician.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1919–1940)

Craighton Berman was born on April 17, 1919, in Houston, Texas. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Berman developed a passion for jazz at an early age. He began playing the trumpet in his teens, drawing inspiration from the vibrant jazz scene in Houston. His talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a sought-after musician in local jazz clubs. Berman's early exposure to jazz legends and his participation in local bands laid the foundation for his influential career in jazz music.

Rise to Prominence in Jazz (1941–1959)

Berman's career took off in the early 1940s when he joined several prominent jazz bands, including those led by Duke Ellington and Count Basie. His exceptional trumpet playing and innovative style earned him recognition among his peers and jazz enthusiasts. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Berman toured extensively, performing in major jazz venues across the United States and Europe. His collaborations with other jazz greats and his contributions to the development of bebop and swing music solidified his reputation as a leading jazz musician.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Career)

Craighton Berman's connection to Houston remained strong throughout his career. He frequently returned to his hometown to perform, mentor young musicians, and participate in the local jazz scene. Berman's presence in Houston's music community helped elevate the city's status as a hub for jazz music. He was instrumental in organizing jazz festivals and events, fostering a vibrant cultural environment for aspiring musicians. Berman's dedication to Houston's jazz scene ensured that his influence was felt both locally and nationally.

Innovations and Musical Style (1960–1979)

In the 1960s and 1970s, Berman continued to push the boundaries of jazz music. He experimented with different styles and incorporated elements of Latin jazz, fusion, and blues into his performances. His innovative approach to music and his willingness to explore new genres earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Berman's albums from this period, such as "Jazz in Motion" (1965) and "Fusion Groove" (1973), showcased his versatility and creativity. His contributions to jazz during this era cemented his legacy as a pioneering musician.

Teaching and Mentorship (1980–1999)

In the later years of his career, Craighton Berman focused on teaching and mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians. He held workshops, taught at universities, and provided private lessons to aspiring trumpet players. Berman's dedication to education and his ability to inspire young musicians left a lasting impact on the jazz community. His commitment to nurturing talent and his contributions to music education were widely recognized and appreciated by his students and colleagues.

Legacy and Influence (1999–Present)

Craighton Berman passed away on December 12, 1999, but his legacy lives on through his music and the many musicians he mentored. His contributions to jazz music, particularly his innovative style and dedication to fostering new talent, continue to inspire jazz enthusiasts and musicians. Berman's influence on the Houston jazz scene is still felt today, with annual events and festivals honoring his memory. His recordings and performances remain an important part of jazz history, reflecting his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the genre.

Key Achievements:

• Performed with legendary jazz bands led by Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

• Innovated jazz music by incorporating elements of Latin jazz, fusion, and blues.

• Mentored and educated aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz community.

Summary:

Craighton Berman's journey from a young trumpet player in Houston to an influential jazz musician reflects his extraordinary talent and dedication to the art form. His connection to Houston played a significant role in shaping his career and fostering a vibrant jazz community. Berman's legacy as an innovative musician and dedicated mentor continues to inspire and influence the world of jazz, ensuring his place as a beloved figure in the history of American music.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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