Jazz

Died On This Date (July 10, 1941) Jelly Roll Morton / Jazz Great

themusicsover July 10, 2010 No Comments

Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton
October 20, 1890 – July 10, 1941

Jelly Roll Morton is considered Jazz’s first great composer and by at least himself, the inventor of jazz. Regardless, his contribution to the form cannot be denied. Starting out in New Orleans, reportedly playing the local bordellos as a teenager, Morton soon hit the road landing in Los Angeles, Chicago and finally New York where his reputation as a braggart kept him from landing the sidemen he wanted, adversely effecting his career. He did make some outstanding recordings though, but he never was able to get the acclaim he deserved until after his death, again, likely due to his reputation. Jelly Roll Morton died as a result of ongoing asthma troubles at just 50. His place in American music was finally recognized in the coming years when New Orleans jazz went through a revival.

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Jazz Journalist

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

themusicsover July 8, 2010 No Comments

Len Dobbin
DOB Unknown – July 8, 2009

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

themusicsover July 7, 2010 No Comments

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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Jazz Musician Record Label

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

themusicsover July 7, 2010 No Comments

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

themusicsover July 5, 2010 2 Comments

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.

Died On This Date (July 10, 1941) Jelly Roll Morton / Jazz Great

What You Should Own

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

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

What You Should Own

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

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

What You Should Own

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