Young and old alike turned out recently at the Dumas Center for Artistic & Cultural Development to pay tribute to Roanoke’s 91 year old popular jazz musician, Eddie Wiggins.
Wiggins is equally talented on the saxophone and on the clarinet and he delighted the sell out crowd with lively solos on both. He still practices one hour per day and it shows both in style, tone, and command of his instrument.
His career started as a band student at Roanoke Catholic schools. By age 14 Eddie was playing jazz at some local speakeasys with several groups. Once his mother called the speakeasy and threatened to call the police if he was there. When the owner went to the band and said that “the Wiggins kid had to go” Wiggins stood up and said “He is not playing with us anymore.”
Wiggins says “that his music over the years was influenced by many of the greats of yesteryear like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Louie Armstrong, and many others.” He graduated from Roanoke College in 1941, then entered the Navy during WW II, working as an electronics technician and also playing USO shows.
After the war he returned to Roanoke, joined the newly formed Roanoke Symphony Orchestra as first chair clarinetist for six years, and also played for 40 years as a member of the Stylist Orchestra.
Wiggins started Peoples Electronics store in 1950, which he operated until his retirement in 1990. He also served as President of the local musicians union for 17 years and contracted musicians for various events that played in Roanoke such as Liberace, Ringling Brothers Circus, Chet Adkins, Doc Severinson, and many others. Back surgery two years ago sidelined him temporaily, but he is back playing as often as he can today. He especially likes to play for charities and fund raising events.
Wiggins was presented a plaque by William Penn, another well known local musician, that commemorated his many years of musicianship and contributions to the local music scene. He received a well deserved standing ovation from fellow band members and the audience.
Wiggins has been married to the Rev. Dr. Maurita Wiggins for 55 years. They have 4 children, two grandchildren, and reside in Roanoke County.
Text And Photo by Jim Bullington