HISTORY of the

The California Institute for the Preservation of Jazz exists as a result of the vision, dedication, and hard work of California State Assemblyman (retired) Willard Murray of Paramount. Assemblyman Murray began his quest for state-wide support for jazz and jazz education in1991. On October 11, 1991 he convened an interim hearing of the Legislative Black Caucus concerning the preservation of jazz as an art form in California. Jazz artists from all over California and the nation testified in Sacramento concerning the great need for such support. The reader may view the transcript of that hearing by clicking here. Finally in 1994, Assembly Bill 554, authored by Assemblyman Murray, was signed into law by Governor Wilson and gave life to the California Institute for the Preservation of Jazz. Currently, there is legislation in the state senate sponsored by Willard Murray’s son Senator Kevin Murray, that will extend the life of the CIPJ.