Frederick Douglas Jenkins

Frederick Douglas Jenkins was born in Malvern, Ohio on November 27, 1919, to the late Elijah Lee Jenkins and the late Willie Mae Jenkins. He was the second of five sons. Raised in a Christian home with an emphasis on God, Family and Love.

Fred was a graduate of Green Town High School in Green, Ohio. While in High School, he and his brother, Herman “Duke” Jenkins, had a radio show called “The Jenkins Brothers Show”. He graduated High school in 1938. After High School he worked with his father at the Robinson Clay Factory. It was during that time he met his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Louise Hurd, in Massillon, Ohio. They were married on June 22, 1941. From that union they had 5 children. Karen, Myra, Gary, Michael (deceased) and David. Fred was a World War II Veteran. He served honorably in the Navy.

After the war, Fred returned to Canton, Ohio. Fred and his brother began pursing musical aspirations. Together Fred and his brother, Herman “Duke”, formed a band called the Duke Jenkins Orchestra. They later relocated to Chicago, Illinois. The band performed in various well-established clubs, such as, Chicago’s Brass Rail.

Upon returning to Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, The Duke Jenkins Orchestra became the house band at the Majestic Hotel on East 55th Street, in the legendary “Rose Room” until 1957. As a result of their popularity, the band had the opportunity to have their own television Jazz Show from 1955 until 1957. In 1959 The Duke Jenkins Trio relocated to Miami Beach Florida and played at The Eden Roc Hotel. They were fortunate to play music with various Top Entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson and Nat King Cole.

Upon returning to Cleveland he began playing throughout the Greater Cleveland area, from the Theatrical to Quail Hollow. He was awarded on several occasions for his contributions as being one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time. In 1991, Swingo’s at the Statler hosted a tribute to what was then the Duke Jenkins Trio, with brother Herman “Duke” and drummer Ralph Jackson. In 2005, the trio was inducted to the Glenville Hall of Fame in Jenkins’ long-time neighborhood.

Fred was a Mason, member of Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Cleveland, Ohio. He was affiliated with The Americans Federation’s of Musicians. He was a dedicated Trustee and a member of Bethany Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was an avid golfer. He loved telling jokes, quoting affirmations, playing horseshoes and dominos. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was the patriarch of his family.

Fred Jenkins departed this life on November 30, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents Elijah and Willie Mae Jenkins; his brother and best friend Herman “Duke” Jenkins and his son, Michael Thomas Jenkins. He leaves to cherish his memories of love to his devoted wife of 79 years, Gwendolyn Louise Jenkins; loving children Karen (Tazzerall Pitts) of Aurora, OH, Myra (Curtis Lowery) of Massillon, OH, Gary ( Naudrey) and David (Monique) Jenkins; beloved nephew, Herman Jenkins Jr. (Goldie) of Cleveland, OH; 13 beloved Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 13 Great-Great –Grandchildren; as well a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who he dearly loved.

Fred was a man of integrity, ingenuity, tenacity with grace. Fred Jenkins was a gentleman. He had compassion for his fellow man and was a very generous and caring person to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and had the pleasure of knowing him