Musician. He spent his formative years in Denver, Colorado, where he studied music, learned to play alto saxophone and in 1922, played saxophone with George Morrison's Orchestra at the Empress Theatre. In 1926, he earned a bachelor's degree from Fisk University in Nashville, formed the band, the Chickasaw Syncopaters and made his professional recording debut in 1930. Settling in New York in 1933, he started performing at the Cotton Club, known as the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. The group proved quite popular and quickly emerged as one of the top bands in the country during the swing era. Lunceford's orchestra remained popular throughout the 1940s, until he died suddenly one night, collapsing while signing autographs. Though officially ruled a heart attack it was rumored at the time that he was poisoned by a racist restaurant owner who took issue with having to feed the band. In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall Fame.
Musician. He spent his formative years in Denver, Colorado, where he studied music, learned to play alto saxophone and in 1922, played saxophone with George Morrison's Orchestra at the Empress Theatre. In 1926, he earned a bachelor's degree from Fisk University in Nashville, formed the band, the Chickasaw Syncopaters and made his professional recording debut in 1930. Settling in New York in 1933, he started performing at the Cotton Club, known as the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. The group proved quite popular and quickly emerged as one of the top bands in the country during the swing era. Lunceford's orchestra remained popular throughout the 1940s, until he died suddenly one night, collapsing while signing autographs. Though officially ruled a heart attack it was rumored at the time that he was poisoned by a racist restaurant owner who took issue with having to feed the band. In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
