A daughter remembers Jan August
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Forest Hills is historically home to a diverse mix of notables residents, including a Renaissance man by the name of Jan August, who was born Jan Augustoff in 1904.
He was a self-taught pianist who had a touch for merging Classical with Latin rhythms, and founded Jan August and his Rhythm Section. “Malaguena” and “Babalu” were among his most integral recordings, and he played in popular New York City spots including the Strand, Capitol, and Roxy Theatres,
In 1957, he played at Forest Hills High School, guest-starring with the Queens Symphony Orchestra.
He even performed “Misirlou” in honor of President Harry Truman in 1947. Today, his legacy is preserved through his remarkable contributions in the music world, and also through his daughter, a longtime teacher and production director, Maxine August Lindfors of Forest Hills.
