Musician, Entertainer. He moved to New York in the 1930s and rose to prominence as "Slim and Slam" a duo novelty act he formed with bassist Slam Stewart. Credited for inventing "Jive Slang" his compositions were funny, entertaining and exhibited many musical jazz styles including bop. His hits included, "Flat Foot Floogie with a Floy Floy", "Cement Mixer Puti Puti", "The Hipster Anthem" and he performed in the movie "Hellzapoppin" in 1941. In 1946, he relocated to Los Angles, performed in nightclubs, made film appearances and did recording sessions with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1950's with Verve and Dot Records, his hits "Down by the Station" and "Yep Roc Heresay" topped billboard. He drifted into acting in the 1960's, appearing on TV shows Marcus Welby, M.D., Charlie's Angels, Mission Impossible, Medical Center, and Along Came Bronson. He performed at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival and appeared in the miniseries Roots: The Next Generation in 1979. In 1982, he toured Europe extensively, making London his home base in 1983. He appeared in the cult film "Absolute Beginners" in 1986 and was the subject of a multipart BBC special called "The World of Slim Gaillard" in 1989. His daughter Janis Hunter was the wife of singer Marvin Gaye and mother of actress singer Nona Gaye. Cause of death, cancer.
Musician, Entertainer. He moved to New York in the 1930s and rose to prominence as "Slim and Slam" a duo novelty act he formed with bassist Slam Stewart. Credited for inventing "Jive Slang" his compositions were funny, entertaining and exhibited many musical jazz styles including bop. His hits included, "Flat Foot Floogie with a Floy Floy", "Cement Mixer Puti Puti", "The Hipster Anthem" and he performed in the movie "Hellzapoppin" in 1941. In 1946, he relocated to Los Angles, performed in nightclubs, made film appearances and did recording sessions with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1950's with Verve and Dot Records, his hits "Down by the Station" and "Yep Roc Heresay" topped billboard. He drifted into acting in the 1960's, appearing on TV shows Marcus Welby, M.D., Charlie's Angels, Mission Impossible, Medical Center, and Along Came Bronson. He performed at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival and appeared in the miniseries Roots: The Next Generation in 1979. In 1982, he toured Europe extensively, making London his home base in 1983. He appeared in the cult film "Absolute Beginners" in 1986 and was the subject of a multipart BBC special called "The World of Slim Gaillard" in 1989. His daughter Janis Hunter was the wife of singer Marvin Gaye and mother of actress singer Nona Gaye. Cause of death, cancer.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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