Musicians Who Served in the Military
by Jewelean Magee
The Johnetta R. Cole Am vets post 24 and the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation honors all African Americans who served in the military, such as Lt. James Reese who played ragtime and jazz music, plus was a band leader during WW I in the 369 Infantry Regiment known as the “Harlem Hellfighters” Their band performed for European audiences in France.
In WW II Lou Donaldson was a jazz saxophonist and joined the Navy. He played with serval naval base bands. Other musicians were “Howlin Wolf” (Army). Singer/Actor Harry Belafonte was in the Army and sung calypso music. Rhythm and Blues singer Marvin Gaye who had many chart-topping hits such as “Sexual Healing” and “What’s going on” served in the Army as well. Just to name a few.
James Marshall Hendrix, known as Jimi Hendrix, enlisted in the Air Force. There were also rap stars of Hip-Hop such as Ice-T that served in the Army. Stanley Burrell, also known as MC Hammer, was in the Navy.
Here in Buffalo, there are local musicians that also served in the military. Punk Funk legend Rick James served in the Navy. He wrote, produced and performed his chart-topping hit like, “You and I” “Street Life”, and “Bustin’ Out”. Rick James went on to produce music for The Mary Jane Girls, Tina Marie, Val Young and others.
Another well-known artist was the late R&B singer Lance Diamond, who performed at many music venues around Buffalo with his band “24 Karat Gold.” Mr. Grover Washington Jr. jazz saxophonist was drafted into the Army and played in the Nineteenth Army Band.
In the Johnetta R. Cole Post there are currently three musicians that served and still perform at local venues. Mr. Claude Kregg served in the Army and the Marine Corps is the lead singer for the “Unity Band” that can be seen at festivals around the city. The band was in this year’s Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Mr. Edward Gadson is a Navy veteran whose music can be enjoyed at Open Door #5 on Sunday mornings. Mr. Larry Hunley sings gospel music with his family “The Hunley Singers was a Marine Corps veteran and have performed throughout the city at many churches and other venues.
All of these musicians have made sacrifices for this country and came home to create the good music that we enjoy today and many years to come