Reflections of the man we called “Johnny Jazz”

There is something to be said about authenticity and Ralph Gatta had it. Gatta, whose family’s business, Johnny’s Jazz Market, was a staple in the Red Bank community for over 60 years, lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 17, 2011. He will be sorely missed.

Reflections of Johnny Jazz

I first met Johnny Jazz, when I moved to Red Bank over 20 years ago and from the first time I ever stepped foot in his store, he was someone I fell madly in love with, because he was authentic. He was true to who he was and more importantly non judgmental.

That’s what I loved about him. He kept it REAL. The other important factor was his love of jazz. While serving up slab bacon and sausage, ham hocks and collards, he also served you a healthy dose of all that jazz. For a person who touts herself as being a history buff, what I learned about the jazz from Gatta’s heyday, compelled me to create a short documentary on him.

When visiting Gatta at his store and even when he got sick, as his diligent student I would sit there with pen and pad taking notes from this great jazz historian. He could have easily stepped onto any college campus and taught a master’s course in Jazz History. He loved Charlie Parker.

That he could turn this simple market into a landmark museum of jazz history was pretty incredible to me. He told me during one of my visits with him while he was sick that he was going to “jazz heaven” to be with all his friends and I believe that he is there and as he would say: “swingin’ like mad.” Gatta loved the community of Red Bank and took tremendous pride in serving the people. I am a better person for having known him. I love you Ralph and what’s so good about that is that you knew it.

Rest in peace Johnny Jazz.

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