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The Life And Career Of Jimmy Dorsey

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you think of Jimmy Dorsey, you think of a Jazz musician who was definitely multi-faceted. He did not just play music. He did not just play an instrument. His magic fingers majestically moved over the clarinet, saxophone and trumpet. He not only played the instruments, he was also a big band leader.

You could say that Jimmy Dorsey was part of a family with good musical lineage. he was the son of a music teacher and the older brother of Tommy Dorsey. So you could say he was born into music. He did work musically with his brother. With his brother Tommy, who played the trombone, he formed a band called the Dorsey’s Novelty Six. This band became one of the first bands to broadcast.

Another thing that Jimmy Dorsey did was movies. He appeared in six films. This included a bio-pic film that he did with his brother Tommy. In his career Jimmy Dorsey scored eleven number one hits. He also managed to have some honors bestowed upon him. Jimmy Dorsey was elected into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. Along with that honor he was also made a member of the American Jazz Hall of Fame.

Jimmy Dorsey left us way to soon. He died June 12, 1957 at the age of 53. This was only a few short months after his Brother Tommy passed.

The Life And Career Of Charile Christian

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Charlie Christian was one of the best known jazz musicians in the 1930′s. He was widely known for playing the jazz electric guitar and can be called the first great amplified guitar soloist. Charles Christian was born in 1916 and was raised in Oklahoma City. His parents were both musicians and his father taught him and his two brothers how to play. He played along with Benny Goodman and was a member of the Benny Goodman Sextet from 1930 to 1941. He also made many musical recordings as a sideman with Goodman.Want more? Click here/tag His style of music contributed to the music referred to as bop or bebop music. He never recorded as a leader professionally, but there have been some recordings released of his sessions as a sideman featured as a soloist. Charlie Christian’s music was often referred to as sounding horn like. He was not only influenced by guitar players but also horn players. He influenced other guitarists such as B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix. Carlos Santana and Eddie Cochran are also among the list of musicians influenced by Christian. Charlie Christian died in 1942. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.

The Life And Career Of Benny Carter

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Bennett “Benny” Carter was born on August 6, 1907 and died on July 12, 2003. He was a jazz musician that played the saxophone, clarinet and trumpet. He also composed music and directed bands. Benny’s interest in music started at a very young age. His interest grew when he began taking piano lessons from his mothers. When Benny was fifteen, he was already sitting in at some of the hottest jazz spots in Harlem. Benny gained experience by working as a sideman for some of the most successful bands in New York.

He enjoyed working with bands, but he knew that he wanted to his career to the next level. In 1928, he began recording with Charlie Johnson’s Orchestra. One year later, he formed his first big band. Benny enjoyed a long and prolific career releasing over 14 albums. He has also worked as an arranger on several other albums.

Benny was nominated for seven Grammys and won two. He was awarded the lifetime achievement award in 1987 and in 1996 he won an award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo. Benny was married five times. He married his fifth wife in 1979 and they remained married until his death. He also has a daughter and two grandchildren.Want to know more? Go ahead: Benny Goodman via Japan

The Life And Career Of Cab Calloway

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You could literally say that Cab Calloway was a Christmas gift to the jazz world. he was born on Christmas Day in 1907. He started out by performing in many of Baltimore’s jazz clubs. At the beginning of his career he followed his sister who was an accomplished bandleader. It is obvious that music was in his family lineage.

It wasn’t long before his band was performing at the Cotton Club. He was a co-host band there with Duke Ellington. Not to shabby company. Calloway’s career did not only focus on music. His voice was heard in Betty Boop cartoons.Confused? Here ‘s a little help . He was also part of several feature films and did quite a bit of dancing. It is said that he did the first version of Michael Jackson’s moon walk. In one of his movies Calloway can be seen performing a gliding back step which was very similar to Michael Jackson’s moon walk. When Calloway performed the move, it was called the buzz.

He was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz hall of fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was also honored with a Grammy Lifetime achievement award in 2008. Cab Calloway passed away six months after having a stroke in 1994.