The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission approved the nomination of jazz trumpeter, composer and activist Lee Morgan for a historical marker.

Lee will join John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and his union, Union Local 274 of the American Federation of Musicians, with a historical marker in Philadelphia.

The blue-and-gold marker will be installed in front of the former location of the Aqua Lounge. Lee Morgan had a week-long engagement here in October 1971. It was his last hometown performance before his tragic death four months later.

The Aqua Lounge was located on “the Strip” in West Philadelphia. This stretch of S 52nd Street was ceremoniously renamed Muhammad Ali Way in 2019.

UPDATE: Due to supply chain issues, fabrication of the marker was delayed. On the first day of Black History Month 2024, I received notice that Lee Morgan’s historical marker has been shipped.

The dedication ceremony will be held on April 30, 2024, International Jazz Day. RSVP at Lee Morgan Historical Marker Unveiling.