Mickey Fields

Wilfred "Mickey" Fields (1932/33 – January 16, 1995) was a Baltimore-area jazz saxophonist, a local legend who refused to play outside the Baltimore area, although he was asked to leave Baltimore many times to go on the road with many famous bands.

He is recognized as one of Baltimore's most well-known jazz saxophonists and was a mentor to many other jazz musicians, including Paul H Brown. Mickey created the "Monday Night Jam Session" at the Sportsman's Lounge, which allowed many young up and coming jazz musicians to perform onstage with him. He was also known for his constant encouragement of young artists.

Fields continued to perform for his fans until he became very ill from kidney disease in October, 1994. He died at 62 on January 16, 1995 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, the city he loved. His funeral was known as one of the largest funerals ever held for a local musician. He is survived by his widow Constance Fields, son Michael Fields, daughter Jacqueline Fields, granddaughter Danielle Fields and great-grandson Christopher Fields.

Legacy

Fields was later inducted into the Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Maryland as one of the greatest jazz saxophonists ever known. Fields's musical influence still lives on today through his recordings and countless proteges here in Baltimore and throughout the world.