Preston Love

Preston Haynes Love (April 26, 1921 Love played and recorded with the Count Basie band from 1945–1947,

In the early 1960s, Love worked with Ray Charles in California, Other legends he played with included Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder.

In his later years Love moved back to Omaha, wrote a book, led bands, the last of which featured his daughter vocalist Portia Love, drummer Gary E. Foster, pianist Orville Johnson, and bassist Nate Mickels, and was an advertising agent for the Omaha Star, a local newspaper serving the city's African American community. He also is father of the singer, songwriter and bass player Laura Love.

In February 2004, Love died after battling prostate cancer.

His son, Preston Love Jr., is an activist and politician, who received the support of the Nebraska Democratic Party in the 2020 United States Senate election in Nebraska, to challenge Senator Ben Sasse.

Awards and honors 1975 First jazz artist-in-residence for the Iowa Arts Council 1992 Received an honorary doctorate from Creighton University 1998 Inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame 2003 At age 82, he was recognized by the Omaha Press Club as part of their "Face on the Barroom Floor" series that honors notable newsmakers. 2005 The non-profit Loves Jazz and Arts Center was established. 2005 Inducted into the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame

Discography As leader Preston Love's Omaha Bar-B-Q (Kent, 1970) Omaha Blues (Mexie L, 2001) Preston Love (Mexie L, 2003)

As sideman With Count Basie The Count (RCA Camden, 1957) Basie's Basement (RCA Camden, 1959) 1947 Brand New Wagon (Bluebird, 1990)

With others Lucky Millinder with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Lucky Days 1941–1945 (MCA, 1980) Shuggie Otis, Here Comes Shuggie Otis (Epic, 1970) Johnny Otis, The Johnny Otis Show Live at Monterey! (Epic, 1971) T-Bone Walker, Stormy Monday Blues (BluesWay, 1968) Frank Zappa, Freak Out! (Verve, 1966)

Books by Love A Thousand Honey Creeks Later: My Life in Music from Basie to Motown and Beyond. Wesleyan University Press, Middletown CT, 1997.