but the songs live on forever

Jazz

Jazz Journalist

Died On This Date (July 8, 2009) Len Dobbin / Canadian Jazz Journalist

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Len Dobbin
DOB Unknown – July 8, 2009

Photo by Jacques Grenier
Photo by Jacques Grenier

Len Dobbin was a much respected journalist who primarily covered Canada’s jazz scene, something he did for over 50 years.  Whether covering a jazz festival or performance at an intimate club, Dobbin reported what moved him either in print or on his weekly radio show, Dobbin’s Den.  Len Dobbin died in a hospital following a massive stroke while doing what he loved, sitting in a jazz club.


Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (July 7, 1949) Bunk Johnson / New Olreans Jazz Musician

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Willie “Bunk” Johnson
December 27, 1889 – July 7, 1949

Bunk Johnson was a popular New Orleans Jazz trumpeter in the early part of the 20th century who gained an even bigger audience when his career was revived in the ’40s.  Johnson claimed he was born in 1879, but most sources indicate that he was actually born in 1889.  What IS known is that Johnson played his trumpet in and around New Orleans during the early 1900s, only to have his career cut short in 1931 when he lost his trumpet and front teeth in a fight at a dance.  In the late ’30s, two writers learned of Johnson during their interviews with Louis Armstrong and others.  Armstrong has cited him as an inspiration.  Intrigued by their praise, the men tracked down Johnson and later raised money for new dentures so he could play again.   He went into the studio in 1942 to make his first records.   With his career revived, Johnson toured more extensively than in years past.  Johnson died in 1949 following a stroke.

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Bunk Johnson

Jazz Musician Record Label

Died On This Date (July 7, 2008) Bobby Durham / Drummer; Played With Ella Fitzgerald

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Bobby Durham
February 3, 1937 – July 7, 2008

Bobby Durham was a versatile jazz drummer who began his career at the age of sixteen by playing with popular doo-wop group the Orioles.  After serving in the military where he played in the military band, Durham settled in New York City where he went on to become one of the most respected drummers in jazz.  Over his career, he performed with the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald, who he accompanied for over ten years.  Bobby Durham died after a long struggle with lung cancer and emphysema.



Jazz Musician

Died On This Date (July 5, 1983) Harry James / Jazz Trumpet Legend

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Harry James
March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983

Harry James was a popular band leader and trumpet player whose career started in the mid ’30s.  After performing with Ben Pollack, James joined Benny Goodman’s band for about a year, leaving that to form his own big band in 1939.  One musical footnote includes Frank Sinatra, who sang with James very early in his career.  Legend has it that James wanted Sinatra to change his name to Frankie Satin.  Fortunately, Sinatra refused.  Later employing Buddy Rich, James stayed active with his band until the early ’80s.   In 1983, he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, likely due to years of heavy smoking.   And even though he was dying, James continued to perform right up until nine days before he passed away on July 5, 1983.

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Trumpet Blues: The Best Of Harry James - Harry James

Jazz Singer

Died On This Date (July 4, 2009) Dee Dee Bellson / Jazz Vocalist

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Dee Dee Bellson
April 20, 1960 – July 4, 2009

With Louis Bellson
With Louis Bellson

Dee Dee Bellson was the adopted daughter of Pearl Bailey and Louis Bellson.  As a child, Bellson traveled with her mother on tour and occasionally appeared on her television show.  She later became a professional jazz singer, touring all over the world, performing with her father’s band, and singing on albums by such jazz artists as Weather Report and Wayne Shorter.  Dee Dee Bellson died as a result of a heart attack at the age of 49.


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