John Lamb interviewed by Monk Rowe, Clearwater Beach, Florida, March 16, 2001 [video]

Table of Contents: Biography -- Didn't experience segregation until his late teens -- Learned string bass "on the job" during air force service -- First exposure to Ray Brown : "it sounds almost like a tuba" -- Decision to leave the military and move to Boston with $27 -- Retracting Schillinger House application/Top names at George Wein's Storyville/Mentor Dean Arol -- Brief gig with Ella Fitzgerald/"Keep a diamond on your finger"/Return to air force -- Realizing his life goal/Futher experiences of segregation/Seeking spirituality -- Air force's "poor social life" leads to 8-10 hours of practice daily/Story of baptism at age 9 -- Getting the call from Duke Ellington -- Anecdote about first meeting with Ellington/Modest salary -- Disorganization in the Ellington band -- Shouldering "the weight of the band...as far as keeping time"/Parts with measures but no notes -- Warm and receptive audiences in Europe -- Settling in Florida with dual careers in teaching and music -- Conclusion : "more gigs than I can handle"/Persistence.