Bucky Adams facts for kids

Charles "Bucky" Adams (born April 25, 1937, died July 13, 2012) was a famous Canadian musician. He played the tenor saxophone for over 60 years! He was known for his amazing jazz and blues music. Bucky played with many music legends. These included B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson. He even performed for Queen Elizabeth II and Rosa Parks! He was a very important part of the jazz music scene in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Early Life

Bucky Adams was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 25, 1937. His parents were Charles and Susie Adams. He grew up in a musical family. Bucky started playing the trumpet when he was a young boy. He would play along with his father, who played the saxophone.

When Bucky was only nine years old, he got his first job. He played the trumpet for a circus parade in Halifax. At age 11, he performed for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Canada in 1948.

One time, Bucky was playing his trumpet so hard at a show that it broke! He quickly ran home to get his father's saxophone. He came back just in time to play again. From that day on, he loved the tenor saxophone. He played it for the rest of his long career.

Career

Bucky Adams started leading his own bands in the 1950s. He continued to be a respected bandleader until the 1980s. Some of his successful bands included Rockin' Rebels, The Unusuals, Generations, and Basin Street Trio.

The Basin Street Trio started in 1975. They often played at the Privateers Warehouse in Halifax. In 1976, they released their first record. It was called "Bucky Adams & Basin Street: At Privateers' Warehouse."

Throughout his career, Bucky performed with or for many famous musicians. These included B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Count Basie.

In the early 1990s, Bucky began volunteering at the Harbourview Lounge in Halifax. In 1993, he started working with the Nova Scotia Mass Choir. Bucky also became a regular performer at the yearly Halifax Jazz Festival.

In 1996, Bucky released his album, "In a Lovin' Way." He wrote or helped write almost all the songs on it. The album was nominated for two East Coast Music Awards in 1997.

In 1998, Bucky performed for Dr. Rosa Parks. She was visiting Halifax to receive an honorary degree from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Death

Charles "Bucky" Adams passed away on July 13, 2012. He was 75 years old. He died in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Honors and Awards

• Received the International Gabriel Award in 1981.
• Nominated for two East Coast Music Awards in 1997.
• Received the "Pioneer" Award from the African Nova Scotia Music Association in November 1998.
• Received the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Nova Scotia Music Association.
• Received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
• The East Coast Music Awards and the African Nova Scotian Music Association renamed the African Canadian Recording of the Year Award to the Bucky Adams Memorial Award.