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Dr. Willis Patterson is a professor emeritus of the University of Michigan School of Music and founder of the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale. Born in Ann Arbor in 1930, he attended Jones School and graduated from Ann Arbor High School. After serving in the air force, Patterson earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s of music degree from the University of Michigan. He received his doctorate from Wayne State University and was Fulbright Fellow. Patterson joined the University School of Music in 1968.

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Comments

This interview came up as an AADL 2024 Summer Games topic. I am so glad I took the time to read the entire interview transcript. Dr. Patterson’s life experience is a lesson for how to live one’s best life - to be fulfilled personally and professionally, to be of service to the community, to be proud of one’s personal history and family and take pride in accomplishments. He has lived through so much. Credit also to the interviewer. Give it a listen or read.

I agree with a previous commenter. This was well-worth a read and I'm glad I did during the Summer Game 2024. I didn't expect to find things I could relate to with someone who seems to have achieved many great things, and I'm grateful to see that work humans take to improve themselves and the reflections we make pass from generation-to-generation, regardless of where we come from.

I'm really glad I read this interview. I found it through the summer games 2024. I know I wouldn't have stumbled across this otherwise. It's really inspiring to hear how he went through such difficult times yet overcame. I was really moved with how well he spoke of his biological father and how he still remembers those 45 min he spend with him in total.