John M. Watson Sr.

John M. Watson Sr. (January 10, 1937 - September 7, 2006) was an American Jazz musician and actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such as Groundhog Day, The Fugitive, Natural Born Killers, and Soul Food. He was also a noted trombonist with musicians Red Saunders and Count Basie. Life and career Watson was born in Albany, New York, on January 10, 1937. His father was a musician who was known as an outstanding piano player, often subbing for the great Art Tatum. His mother was a college athlete and singer. Watson was raised in Middletown, Ohio. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1954, where he was a member of the band. After serving four years in the United States Army he attended Miami University where he also met his wife of 44 years, Virginia. They had had three sons and two daughters. Watson majored in Music Education and graduated in 1962. Watson was a member of the Miami University marching band, the orchestra, and the concert band. He also led his own band on the campus of Miami, performing often for various campus functions. He was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, and of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After graduation in 1962, he planned to travel to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being a musician, but stopped in Chicago to see a family member and never left. Shortly after arriving in Chicago, he joined the Red Saunders Band, which was the 17 piece house band at the historic Regal Theater. Watson played with the band, his first day being the day that Stevie Wonder recorded his first song - Fingertips - which was recorded live at the Regal. Watson was also on other famous live recordings from the Regal Theater, including Gene Chandler's Rainbow '65. He also traveled with various Motown acts including Marvin Gaye and the Four Tops. During this time he was a part of several recordings from artists such as Jack Mc Duff, James Cotton, Barbara Acklin and Etta James. Watson also worked as a band teacher during this time at Du Sable, Dunbar and CVS high schools. In 1968 he joined the band at Jesse Jackson's Operation Breadbasket, led by Ben Branch. Watson would later serve as the musical director of Operation Push, and continued to play in the band until the late 70s. In 1969 he played with the Jackson Five until 1970, when he joined the Count Basie Band, about which he said, "Other than going to heaven I can't think of anything better". By this time, two of his children had been born.