Keith Valles

Salutes Jazz Promoter KEITH VALLES

Son of the Maharaja of Jazz Radio, China Valles, Keith Valles took good notes to continue his father’s legacy of promoting jazz music in South Florida. According to Miami New Times reporter Jacob Katel, “Duke Ellington nicknamed Charles “China” Valles the “Maharaja,” a Sanskrit word denoting greatness and royalty. For 89 years and 50 in Miami, Charles “China” Valles was a tremendous force of good in music.” .

In 2017, Dr. Joan Cartwright was inducted into the South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame by SJO. Enjoy SJO’s ongoing concerts, workshops, events and promotions as we proudly enter our 36th Season of Jazz!

www.sunshinejazz.org

The Mahj was a mainstay at Miami radio stations WDNA and WTMI-FM (93.1), where he spent 24 years playing bop, blues, and fusion. Although China transitioned in 2014, his Sunshine Jazz Organization carried on with the work of Keith’s mother Thelma, who was at China’s side for every event they produced, promoted, or attended in the tri-county area. Keith took the reins and the rest is history.