Chink Stevenson

Awarded: 2006
Born: Cleveland, Ohio

"He always played beautiful, impeccable bass. Excellent bassman."

- Joe Mosbrook

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Matthew “Chink” Stevenson attended Cleveland Public Schools and began his music career at the age of 12 playing saxophone. He continued playing sax through his teens. After serving two years in the Armed Forces during the Korean Conflict, Stevenson became fascinated with the bass, inspired by the artistry of Ray Brown and Charles Mingus. Stevenson furthered his musical studies at Tri-C and the Cleveland Music School Settlement. He has played with Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Gidney, Dorothy Donegan, Roland Kirk, Teddy Wilson, Neal Creque, the Cleveland Jazz All Stars; vocalists Etta James, Dakota Staton, Vanessa Rubin and a host of other Cleveland musicians.