John Tavares Silver

Father of jazz musician Horace Silver, of Portuguese origin, born on the island of Maoi, one of the Cape Verde Islands, off the coast of Africa, somewhat near Angola. Emigrated to the United States as a young man; first settled in Massachusetts, then lived a short time in New York City before settling in Norwalk, Connecticut. Changed last name to Silver upon marrying Gertrude of New Canaan, Connecticut.

Played the violin, guitar and mandolin, by ear.

Described by The Horace Silver Quintet - Song For My Father = Cantiga Para Meu Pai], to whom the title tune was bilingually dedicated (in English and Portuguese)."