Honoring our Chairman Jonathan Winters
During his life, Jonathan Harshman Winters III was an iconic American comedian, actor, author, and artists. He was a regular on Hee Haw, Mork & Mindy, the Tonight Show, and many others. He was even the voice of Papa Smurf!
Robin Williams calls him his mentor. Comedy Central ranks him as the 18th best comic of all time. His accolades are vast; 11 Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for the Best Spoken Comedy Album. But, did you know that Jonathan Winters also had a passion for local youth music non-profit?
“In 1990, I met Jonathan Winters and invited him over for dinner. He wanted two desserts, but his wife said, ‘only one!’ Of course, he had me sneak him another piece. He was witty and funny with every breathe,” Star Jasmine Music Foundation Executive Director, Nancy Earle said.
Over dinner Nancy told Jonathan about a CD they were producing to raise money for music outreach and to gift instruments to those in need.
“After dinner Jonathan pulled out a piece of stationary and penned an incredible endorsement letter for the Star Jasmine Foundation! The icing on the cake was that he also accepted the position as ‘Honorary Chairman’ of the Foundation,” said Nancy. With Jonathan’s help, the Star Jasmine Music Foundation produced a great album featuring Van Morrison, Ginger Baker, Kenny Logins, Dave Mason, and Jackson Browne, to name just a few.
“While we mourn the death of Jonathan Winters, we celebrate the laughter he brought to the World and the goodwill he brought to our organization,” said Luke Archer, Board Member of the Star Jasmine Music Foundation. “Jonathan’s support allowed us to produce the ‘Star Jasmine’ CD. 100% of the revenues from CD sales go to funding for our youth music program JAMS.” JAMS is a volunteer run music school that gifts instruments and lessons to at-risk youths in the Santa Barbara area. “We are very grateful to Mr. Winters and we would like to recognize his extraordinary generosity and kindness. He will be sorely missed.”
Jonathan Winter’s endorsement letter and the “Star Jasmine” CD are available at http://www.starjasminemusic.org.
About the Star Jasmine Music Foundation
The Star Jasmine Music Foundation is a 501c3 dedicated to providing free music lessons and music outreach to those in need in the greater Santa Barbara community. The Foundation raises money for music outreach programs, music lessons, facilities, and instruments for students.
About JAMS
JAMS is a non-profit music school located at 631 ½ North Milpas Street in Santa Barbara that was founded by the Star Jasmine Music Foundation. The school offers music lessons & instruments to low-income families in the area. JAMS students and instructors participate in music outreach programs by performing at schools, hospitals, and retirement homes.