Mickey Fields

Wilfred "Mickey" Fields was a saxophonist from the Baltimore area, a local legend who refused to play outside his Baltimore area, although he was invited several times to take the road for tours with many famous bands . He is recognized as one of Baltimore's best-known jazz saxophonists and has mentored many other jazz musicians, including Paul H Brown. Mickey created the "Monday Night Jam Session" at Sportsman's Lounge, which allowed many young jazz musicians to perform on stage. He was also known for his constant encouragement of young artists. Fields was born in 1932 to James and Etta Fields in Towson, Maryland, and was one of seven children. At a young age, Fields realized he was naturally good at music. He had an "absolute ear" and was a self-taught musician, playing just about every instrument he could get his hands on. At the age of 14, he himself learned to play the saxophone. The story is that his older brother, Warren, won a saxophone in a game while returning home from a ship after the Second World War. When Mickey found it in the closet, he knew it was the instrument for him. Fields began his career with the blues jump band The Tilters. As a solo artist, he recorded on Atlantic Records and Groove Merchant. Howard Earl Washington, a Baltimore area jazz drummer, was another member of the Tilters. The Tilters played for the great Ethel Ennis. Fields then recorded several songs with his group "Mickey And His Mice", entitled "Cracker Jack", known as one of the 100 most funky titles ever created and the popular "Little Green Apples". He then recorded an album with the great Richard "Groove" Holmes, for the label Edmar (New Jersey). Fields also played with his talented sister, Shirley Fields, who has been a singer for many years and who has also played an important role in the Baltimore Jazz Company.