Devra Hall Levy, a published journalist and author, is a prolific chronicler of jazz luminaries: interviewer for Smithsonian Jazz Oral Histories; contributor to The Jazz Omnibus: 21st Century Photos and Writings (Cymbal Press October 15, 2024) and African American National Biography (OUP); author of books Men, Women, and Girl Singers (Beckham Publications Group 2001) and Strollin’ (SnapSizzleBop Media 2008), myriad CD liner notes, articles in Billboard Magazine including a 16-page Advertorial Joe Williams: Every Day For 70 Years (December 3, 1988), and reviews and interviews in Jazz Improv.
Non-jazz features include Poverty Antidote Goes Global a profile of social entrepreneur Bill Strickland. (Miller-McCune Magazine, January/February, 2009) and A Dogged Determination, a four-page feature about the canine-handler teams trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. They are the gold standard in their field of searching for survivors in urban disasters. (Miller-McCune Magazine, March/April, 2011). Devra is also the author of a dozen computer trade books
As a writer and music/talent coordinator of television programs and jazz videos, her credits include: talent coordinator for “Red, Hot & Cool,” a nationally syndicated television show hosted by Nancy Wilson; musical coordinator for the “George Shearing: Lullaby of Birdland” and “Joe Williams: A Song Is Born” videos produced live at the Paul Mason Winery; and writer for “Jim Hall: A Life In Progress,” a documentary produced by Rhapsody Films.
Currently in development are a play with music, Joe Williams: Here’s To Life starring Keith David, and a biography Seeking Harmony: The Life and Music of Luther Henderson, the jazz and Broadway maestro who was Duke Ellington’s “classical arm” and musical director for celebrated artists such as Lena Horn and Polly Bergen.
Devra is a Los Angeles-based writer with a special interest in people who make a difference, and expertise in the fields of technology, music, narrative writing, and education. She was the Director of Corporate Communications for a software company, and freelanced as a skilled developmental and technical editor for Microsoft Press and others. With an additional background in music, entertainment and public relations, she is sought after as a writer of press releases, executive and artist profiles, and liner notes for recorded music. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Technology & Media (Cal Poly Pomona 1992), and a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Nonfiction (Goucher College 2003).
Devra blogs periodically at http://DevraDoWrite.com.