OUR MISSION
The purpose of the Hefflin Legacy Foundation is to retell the story and preserve the legacy of Leon Hefflin Sr., the producer of the Cavalcade of Jazz. The telling of the story begins with his successful manufacturing business, which he lost during the Depression. He converted his building into the “first colored country club,” the Appomattox Country Club, where Les Hite and Marvin Johnson played at the opening.
Next came Sweet N’ Hot, his musical, which created the format for the concerts that would later be held at Wrigley Field. Sweet N’ Hot played nightly at the Mayan Theatre for 11 weeks, with performances, and featured Dorothy Dandridge. Curtis Mosby was his business partner in these star-packed performances. The event was covered in over 20 newspapers across the country.
The Lincoln Ballroom was converted from a run-down roller rink but became a failed investment after he was denied a permit due to his race. Leon and his brother Bill rented various venues throughout the city to host big band dances.
The Cavalcades of Jazz concerts were the most significant part of his legacy. Leon Hefflin Sr. rented out the famed Wrigley Stadium and Lane Field in San Diego for his grand yearly Cavalcade of Jazz concerts from 1945 until 1958. He featured some of the most outstanding musicians of the time, including Lionel Hampton (who appeared four times), Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Sam Cooke, Count Basie, Dinah Washington (who appeared twice), Frankie Laine, Perez Prado, Sarah Vaughan, the Valdez Orchestra, Ray Charles, and over a hundred more. He also included a beauty contest and a lineup of performances that surpassed any concerts of the era.
In addition, he owned the 250-room Santa Rosa Hotel on San Pedro Street.
"Leon Hefflin Sr. rented out the Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles to produce the Sweet N' Hot, "Greatest Negro All Star Musical to Hit Coast." His business partner was Curtis Mosby, and the featured performer was Dorothy Dandridge. The show had a run of eleven weeks and was reported as going to New York. It closed to rave reviews and was covered by 20 different newspapers all over the country. (Read More)
CREATING A LEGACY
Hefflin Legacy Foundation’s vision is to provide educational materials, seminars, and future funding, leading to events that showcase and teach the history of Central Avenue; music of Jim Crow era jazz in the Cavalcades of Jazz: along with Leon Hefflin, Sr.’s contributions to the city of Los Angeles while learning science concepts. HLF donations will support the Black Wings Children’s Museum on the campus of Windsor Hills Math, Science and Aerospace Elementary: ultimately inspiring young people to pursue careers in science. The Foundation’s mission is to teach future generations about the power of individuals to overcome social disparities and create a legacy.
Press
"This message is to alert you about the book my childhood friend Deborah (Hefflin) Swan just completed. IT IS A FANTASTIC BOOK THAT THE WORLD WILL LOVE! It is called “The Impresario: Leon Heflin and the World’s First Annual Jazz Festival.” This 545-page gem of over 300 photographs tells the story of one Leon Norman Hefflin, Deborah’s grandfather – who was central in starting South Central LA’s vibrant world of jazz history. The book is completely finished and ready to be published. Deborah has spent over six years of research putting this historic book together. Believe me – you will be mesmerized by Leon Hefflin’s story. This book is going to sell a million copies!”
Duane Filer, a writer now residing in Carson, California, who has written ten books.
Cavalcade
of Jazz
The Hefflin Legacy Foundation (HLF) celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Leon Hefflin Sr., producer of the Cavalcade of Jazz—the world’s first annual jazz festival (1945–1958). This iconic event united legendary Black artists like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong, championing culture, creativity, and community.
HLF carries this legacy forward through exhibits, storytelling, and educational programs that uplift Black excellence and inspire future generations to dream big, build boldly, and lead with purpose.
A Letter From Our Founder.
I always knew I would write a book about my amazing grandfather, Leon Hefflin, Sr., to share his remarkable story. Nine years ago, I searched his name online and found no results. Years later, thanks to my efforts, there are endless entries about him, and this book will showcase him as one of the most outstanding entrepreneurs and music producers. Readers will experience the groundbreaking story of "The Impresario: Leon Hefflin and the World's First Annual Jazz Festival" and immerse themselves in South Central LA's vibrant world of jazz history. If you're a history buff, prepare to be captivated by the little-known details of the Los Angeles Central Ave community and an extraordinary Angeleno, Leon Hefflin. Jazz and Blues enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to listen to the music of 135 artists with QR links to YouTube music, all of whom were recruited by Leon Hefflin to play at his concerts.
Leon Norman Hefflin, Sr. was an exceptional American producer, director, business owner, furniture manufacturer, and entrepreneur who organized the renowned Cavalcade of Jazz. This event was the world's first annual jazz concert series and the largest outdoor jazz entertainment event for 14 years. It was held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles as part of the Central Ave Jazz Scene. The debut show on September 23, 1945, featured sensational artists such as Count Basie, The Honey Drippers, The Peters Sisters, Slime and Bam, and more. The Cavalcade of Jazz concerts played a pivotal role in launching the careers of stars like Toni Harper, Dinah Washington, Roy Milton, and Frankie Lane. Leon's final concert occurred at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium on August 3, 1958. In addition to this, he also produced "Sweet N' Hot" featuring Dorothy Dandridge at the iconic Mayan Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Furthermore, in 1940, he presented the Wings Over Jordan chorus in the historic Hollywood Bowl. The Shrine Auditorium, Elks, and Avodon were among the many venues that hosted his events. Additionally, he built and operated the Royal Appomattox Club and owned a 250-room hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
The story of Leon Hefflin is not just a personal project but a comprehensive historical record brought to life through extensive research. It has generated over a thousand newspaper citations from various sources, including the two largest African-American newspapers at the time, The California Eagle and The Los Angeles Sentinel. The book is a treasure trove of original newspaper headlines, advertisements, articles, reviews, and photographs from the four top black photographers at that time. It is 8½x11 inches and has over 300 photographs (many of which have never been seen), over 37 original poems, and 545 pages. This is not just a book but a journey through time and music, meticulously crafted to bring the reader closer to the vibrant world of jazz history in South Central LA.
Your support is not just appreciated but crucial to get this unique story out to the public. I am self-publishing under the non-profit Hefflin Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing this fantastic tale. Your support will not only help in the publication of this book but also in preserving an important part of African-American history. I can meet with you to share the manuscript, which is ready for print. This unveils African-American history like no other, and I welcome you to join the journey with me.
Kindest Regards,
Deborah Swan
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