Arthur Barnes, the Harlem Speaks guest on May 25, 2006, held the audience in the palm of his hand as he recounted not only a life in jazz, but as he explored the many cultural and social contexts that helped create the music he has loved for more than 60 years. As a young man, he hoped to become a clinical psychologist, but eventually wound up making great strides in the business world. After decades heading the New York Urban Coalition, he is currently HIP Health Plan of New York's Senior Vice President for External Affairs and Corporate Contributions, promoting the health and well-being of the diverse communities that make up New York City. In a way, Mr. Barnes’ style was like that of Art Tatum — a brilliant soloist making all sorts of unexpected modulation but always keeping the theme in mind. The dance styles of his youth, the effect of WWII on Harlem and its residents, his family and the polyglot evolution of jazz itself. Many of the attendees felt that they had been present at a superlative event, which indeed they had.