True inspiration comes from innovation – a fact that Claude Nobs knew all too well. However, the co-founder of the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival didn’t start off easily. When Claude decided to move back to his sleepy Swiss hometown of Montreux from New York in the ‘80s to pursue his unique dream of hosting world-class acts in the mountains, everybody was against it. “You’re crazy, nobody is going to come to see you here in the mountains!” they said.
Despite this, he went ahead with his plans, transforming his home into a wonderland and also calling on his recently-made New York connections, including Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun of Atlantic Records. While working for the Tourism Office of Montreux (where he had also been employed prior to moving to New York), he organized the first 3-day music festival in Montreux.
Hosted in 1967, he invited a number of famous artists, including Charles Lloyd, Keith Jarrett, Ron McLure, and Jack DeJohnette, to perform – which they did. And then, subsequently, more acts over the years, such as David Bowie, Quincy Jones, and BB King – who returned again and again to enjoy his warm hospitality.
The festival was a hit. Thus, the Montreux Jazz Festival was born, and the town also became a hotspot for world-class musicians. Today, Montreux and the Claude Nobs Chalets are home to much more than the iconic music festival and its star-studded acts, though. In passing, a number of its famous guests have also left behind their precious creations and personal effects.
Paintings by Miles Davis and Ronnie Wood, BB King’s Guitar, Freddie Mercury’s piano, Carlos Santana’s Conga, and various other priceless historical music memorabilia and artworks call the chalets home today – all of which can be appreciated by visitors.
Of all, Claude’s audiovisual collection (inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register in 2013 when he passed away) – over 5,000 hours worth of priceless film recordings, including live concerts, rare improvised jam sessions, and otherwise unknown footage of artists – is the crowning jewel of the collection.
To this day, Switzerland is proud to share Claude Nob’s collection and legacy with friends, artists, and music lovers from near and far. The Claude Nobs Chalets can be rented for both events and private tours on request.
