Jack Kleinsinger, Visionary Behind Iconic Jazz Series, Passes Away at 88

Jack Kleinsinger, who balanced a career as a government attorney with his deep passion for jazz by founding and managing Highlights in Jazz—one of New York City's longest-standing concert series—died on June 11 at his Manhattan residence. He was 88.

His cousin, Elizabeth Elliot, confirmed that complications from a fall were the cause of his passing.

Kleinsinger served three decades in public legal service, initially working for New York City and later from 1970 to 1991 as an assistant attorney general for the State of New York.

Outside of his legal work, he devoted himself to jazz, organizing Highlights in Jazz seven times annually. This itinerant concert series showcased leading musicians from across the nation alongside emerging talents.

Launching the series in 1973 amid a period of waning jazz popularity and nightclub closures, Kleinsinger nonetheless attracted enthusiastic audiences. His events frequently sold out, and any unsold tickets were donated to performing arts high schools throughout the city.

He cultivated a loyal following of roughly 350 dedicated attendees, many of whom rarely missed a show. Additionally, he maintained a meticulously curated mailing list of 5,000 jazz enthusiasts to promote his events.