Bandleader Woody Herman

Your staff writer Jack Jones wrote an article about Woody Herman (Part I, Oct. 30). I was indeed saddened to hear of his death. I’ve always admired Woody’s playing and “Herds.” The swing era has indeed lost another giant.

There is one error in the story about Woody. He was not king of the Zulu Parade in 1979 in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. In fact, no white man has ever been king of the Zulu Parades since its beginning. You see, I am the son of Herbert Permillion who was king in 1922. Joseph Misshore Jr. was king of the Zulu Parade in 1979.

HERBERT L. PERMILLION

Los Angeles