John Polite Obituary

POLITE, JR., John Entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 14, 2006, Mr. John Polite, Jr., of Charleston, SC, formerly of Baltimore, Md. He is the widower of Mrs. Dolly Polite, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John, Sr., and Annie Grant Polite, the father of Mr. Robert Nock and the late Mr. David Polite, the brother of Mrs. Pearl P. Harris (Everett) a special cousin of Mr. Abraham C. Polite (Lois). John (Johnny) Polite a native of Charleston, SC, went to live with an aunt in New York City at an early age. His venture in the music industry lead him to play at the Apollo Theater with the Erskine Hawkins Band in which they won first prize. At age 17, he entered the US Air Force where he played in the Air Force Band. After his discharge in 1954, John performed in the New York and New Jersey areas. Upon his return to Baltimore, he joined "The Big Toppers" consisting of such names as Donald Lone, Chico Johnson and Raymond Monague. The group went on the road backing Sonny Till. During this time, he met and married his wife, Catherine. Johnny played at Chick Lounge with Flink Johnson as the "MC" for five years. He then joined the Bill Byrd Trio with Arnold Sterling and vocalist Liz Figeroa where he remained for seven years. At that time, Mickey and Shirley Fields banded with Johnny creating "J. Polite" and "The Jazzmen." They played the Bird Cage for ten years. The vocalists along with Shirley Fields included Debbie Jacobs and Lady Rebecca. The group performed at the ground breaking ceremony for the new subway system. They backed the famous Hoofers at the famous Ballroom and played the first Artscape. Johnny has worked "gigs" with Sonny Stirr, Big Mabel, Grant Green, Charlie Rouse, Dexter Gordon and the late great Otis Redding. Since his retirement from the National Security Agency in 1998, Johnny has free-lanced with various musicians while giving most of his time to his ailing wife. As a student at Burke High School, Johnny played with several of our known musicians, such as George Kenny and Lonnie Hamilton. Mr. Polite was 73 years old. Arrangements by Varn Green Funeral Home, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, Maryland, 21133, (410) 521-3545. Announced by W.M. SMITH-MCNEAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2 Radcliffe Street, Charleston, S.C. (843) 722-3676, 1-800-924-5659 or e-mail memorial messages at [email protected]. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.