Benny Bailey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benny Bailey
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Dexter Gordon, left, with Bailey at the Village Vanguard, June 1977
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ernest Harold Bailey |
| Born | August 13, 1925 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | April 14, 2005 (aged 79) Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1940s–2000s |
| Labels | Argo, Candid, Concord, MPS, Freedom, Enja, Ego, Gemini, Jazzcraft, TCB, Laika |
| Associated acts | The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band |
Ernest Harold "Benny" Bailey (August 13, 1925 – April 14, 2005) was an American jazz trumpeter. He was known for his clear and powerful trumpet playing. Benny Bailey played with many famous jazz musicians throughout his long career.
Early Life and Music
Benny Bailey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He first tried playing the flute and piano, but then he chose the trumpet. A famous musician named Tadd Dameron from Cleveland inspired Benny. Benny also inspired many other musicians from his hometown. He even played with Tony Lovano, whose son, Joe Lovano, also became a famous musician.
Career Highlights
In the 1940s, Benny started working with popular musicians like Bull Moose Jackson and Scatman Crothers. Later, he played with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and toured around the world with Lionel Hampton.
While touring Europe with Lionel Hampton, Benny decided to stay. He lived in Sweden for a while and played in Harry Arnold's big band. Benny really loved playing in big bands (large groups of musicians). He became a key member of several big bands in Europe. One of the most famous was the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band.
In 1960, Benny briefly returned to the United States. He played at the Newport Jazz Festival, a very important jazz event. He also recorded an album called Redd's Blues with pianist Freddie Redd. After this, he moved back to Europe, first to Germany, and then settled permanently in the Netherlands.
In 1969, Benny played on the album Swiss Movement with Eddie Harris and Les McCann. This album was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Even though it wasn't his usual style, the album became very popular. Benny continued to record albums until the year 2000, even when he was in his mid-70s.
Benny Bailey passed away at his home in Amsterdam on April 14, 2005.
Benny Bailey's Music
Benny Bailey recorded many albums as a band leader. Here are some of his well-known albums:
- Quincy - Here We Come (1959)
- Big Brass (1960)
- Soul Eyes (1968)
- Islands (1976)
- The Satchmo Legacy (2000)
He also played as a sideman (a supporting musician) on many albums with other famous artists. Some of his notable collaborations include:
- With Count Basie on Basie in Sweden (1962)
- With the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band on many albums like Jazz Is Universal (1962) and All Smiles (1968)
- With Dexter Gordon on Sophisticated Giant (1977)
- With Quincy Jones on albums like I Dig Dancers (1960)
See also
In Spanish: Benny Bailey para niños
- Vocalese, an album by Manhattan Transfer with a tribute song entitled "Meet Benny Bailey"
Images for kids
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Dexter Gordon, left, with Bailey at the Village Vanguard, June 1977
