Jazz devotee Floyd Levin dies

Floyd Levin, an avid attendee of the Orange County Classic Jazz Festival who wrote Costa Mesa’s official theme song, “Costa Mesa, U.S.A.,” died Monday of a heart attack. He was 86.

Levin, who lived in Studio City, was never a Costa Mesa resident, and he is best known as an eloquent critic and supporter of classic jazz. But those who knew him say he loved the jazz festival, held at the Hilton hotel in Costa Mesa each year, and wanted to give something back to the city.

At first Levin intended simply to praise the festival, setting lyrics to existing music.

“He knew how to make a lyric sing,” said Dan Pittman, a spokesman for the Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau, which commissioned the song. “We took a look at them, and we were just really thrilled about the fun and excitement that the song conveys.”

But the City Council loved it too. Soon after, they honored Levin by making it the city’s official song.

“We all loved it,” said Costa Mesa Mayor Alan Mansoor. “It’s not often our council meetings incorporate music.”

Costa Mesa has now become the permanent home of the festival, Pittman said. When the song was first debuted live there in August 2005, numerous bands played it in homage to the city.

John Dieball, president of the festival, said he knew Levin for 20 years and spoke with him every other week. Levin heavily supported classic jazz in Orange County, even writing introductions for every band that played at the festival, Dieball said.

“We play that song at the opening of each of the festivals,” he said.

The song will outlive Levin. The Costa Mesa Conference and Visitors Bureau is incorporating the song into its website, Pittman said. The City Council has given the CD to the Costa Mesa Historical Society, Mansoor said.

“It’s become a part of Costa Mesa history,” Mansoor said.

‘Costa Mesa U.S.A.,’ by Floyd Levin

On this special day, jazz bands come to play.

They’re the very best, you will agree.

Jazz fans rally round, hear that joyous sound.

You’ll become a Costa Mesa devotee.

Hear that happening beat, see those dancing feet.

There is more to come, just wait and see.

You’ll be glad some day, that you came this way.

You’ll become a Costa Mesa devotee.

Jazz is number one in Costa Mesa, in Costa Mesa U.S.A.

The fun has just begun in Costa Mesa,

As bands from far and near are congregating here.

This is sure the best place to hear good jazz.

Stick around and listen to that razzmatazz.

Jazz is number one in Costa Mesa, in Costa Mesa U.S.A.

--Listen online at www.oc-classicjazz.org.