Rest in Power

Nancy King, vocalist and Portland jazz icon, has died at age 85

All of us at KMHD mourn the passing of Nancy King, who died on August 5th, 2025. Her distinct, dynamic voice, particularly in scat singing, and her iconic rose-colored glasses were just symbols of the many elements that made her a treasure in the jazz scene worldwide, but especially here in Oregon.

Related

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
Jazz Calendar
  • Arietta Ward

    The 1905, 830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

  • Chance Hayden & Shelly Rudolph

    Jo Bar & Rotisserie, 715 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA

  • Jazz at Fortune

    Fortune, 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

  • Feel-good saxophone by Logan Hone

    Sellwood Community House, 1436 SE Spokane St, Portland, OR 97202, USA

  • Charlie Brown III Disney Tribute Show

    The 1905, 830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227, USA


KMHD's Recommended Record Stores


On Demand

Listen to all your favorite KMHD shows at any time. Stream now!

Broadcast Playlist

Real-time 24-hour playlist of every song played on 89.1 KMHD, jazz without boundaries.



In Conversation with SML

Ahead of the performance of Los Angeles-based band SML at Pickathon, bassist Anna Butterss and saxophonist Josh Johnson share their experiences playing with guitarist Jeff Parker’s ETA 4tet, collaborating with drummer/producer Makaya McCraven, and the origins and process of SML.

Related


In Conversation with Josh Johnson

00:00
 / 
37:43

Alex Newman sat down with the accomplished saxophone player to talk about his journey from his musical upbringing to his winding path from Chicago to Los Angeles and all the collaborators he found along the way.

In Conversation with Anna Butterss

00:00
 / 
30:10

Alex Newman goes in depth with the bassist about their compositions, musical compatriots, and their latest albums– Activities and Mighty Vertebrate.

In Conversation with Jimetta Rose

00:00
 / 
43:25

Ahead of her appearance at Pickathon with the choir, the vocalist/arranger welcomes us into her home to share how her upbringing in Los Angeles—singing in church and school choirs—has come full circle in this expansive new musical chapter.


Episode 14: Samm Culley

00:00
 / 
06:34

The bassist for the one-hit wonder band of the 1970s, SKULL SNAPS, talks about the band's lasting legacy.

Episode 15: Sonny Rollins

00:00
 / 
07:08

The Greatest Living Improviser chats with Justin Meyer about nostalgia for the old days, Coleman Hawkins, and the art of improvisation.

Episode 16: Gary Bartz

00:00
 / 
06:38

The pivotal jazz saxophonist talks about Charles Mingus’ jazz workshop in NYC, his stint with Miles Davis’ band in the early 70’s, and the formation of NTU Troop.




About KMHD

Member-supported radio station KMHD has been a staple of Portland since 1984.


LIVE EVENTS
  • Arietta Ward

    The 1905, 830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

  • Chance Hayden & Shelly Rudolph

    Jo Bar & Rotisserie, 715 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA

  • Jazz at Fortune

    Fortune, 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

  • Feel-good saxophone by Logan Hone

    Sellwood Community House, 1436 SE Spokane St, Portland, OR 97202, USA

  • Charlie Brown III Disney Tribute Show

    The 1905, 830 N Shaver St, Portland, OR 97227, USA