by | Jul 12, 2023 | African American History, People
King Curtis, a famed saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and producer, was one of the most influential musicians of his generation. He may also have been one of the most prolific, having amassed a stunning portfolio with over two hundred artists in eighteen years. Born...
by KaileyVictoriaSmith | Sep 14, 2021 | African American History, People
Jonathan (“Jon”) Michael Batiste is an American bandleader, composer, arranger, actor, “harmonabord” player, and television personality. He was born on November 11, 1986, in Metairie, Louisiana, and grew up in the neighboring New Orleans suburbs. By age 8, he was...
by KyriacopoulosKonstantine | Feb 19, 2008 | African American History, People
A jazz pianist and bandleader, Count Basie was one of the leading musicians of the Big Band “Swing” era. His Count Basie Orchestra was formed in 1936, and featured singers such as Billie Holliday, and notable musicians including Lester Young, Jo Jones, and Walter...
by YuKarlson | May 19, 2007 | African American History, People
Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington is one of the greatest jazz composers, performers, and bandleaders in American history. His compositions, and the travels of his band, exposed the world to jazz and earned him the nickname, “The Ambassador of Jazz.” Edward Kennedy...
by LewisCarole | Mar 19, 2007 | African American History, People
Musician and composer William Christopher “W.C.” Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. Widely known as the “Father of the Blues,” Handy is recognized as one of the leaders in popularizing blues music. Young Handy’s interest in music was...
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