Ed Thigpen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Thigpen
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Edmund Leonard Thigpen |
| Born | December 28, 1930 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2010 (aged 79) Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1951–2010 |
| Associated acts | |
Edmund Leonard Thigpen (born December 28, 1930 – died January 13, 2010) was a famous American jazz drummer. He was most well-known for playing drums with the amazing Oscar Peterson trio from 1959 to 1965. Before that, Thigpen also played with the Billy Taylor trio from 1956 to 1959.
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Ed Thigpen's Early Life and Music Journey
Edmund Thigpen was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. He grew up in Los Angeles, California. He went to Thomas Jefferson High School. Other famous musicians like Art Farmer and Dexter Gordon also went there.
After studying sociology in college, Thigpen went back to East St. Louis. He lived with his father, who was also a drummer. His dad, Ben Thigpen, played with a band called Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy for many years. This helped Ed get started in music.
Starting His Professional Career
Ed Thigpen began his professional music career in New York City. He played with the Cootie Williams orchestra from 1951 to 1952. They often performed at the famous Savoy Ballroom. During this time, he played with many jazz legends. These included Dinah Washington, Oscar Pettiford, and Billy Taylor.
Playing with Famous Jazz Groups
In 1959, Ed Thigpen joined the Oscar Peterson Trio in Toronto, Canada. He took the place of the guitarist, Herb Ellis. With Oscar Peterson, Thigpen became very famous. He played on many important jazz albums.
Touring with Ella Fitzgerald
After leaving the Oscar Peterson Trio, Thigpen recorded his own album. It was called Out of the Storm in 1966. Then, from 1967 to 1972, he toured with the legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald. This was another big part of his career.
Moving to Copenhagen, Denmark
In 1972, Ed Thigpen moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. Many other American jazz musicians had moved there too. In Copenhagen, he played with American musicians like Kenny Drew and Thad Jones. He also played with top Danish jazz artists. These included Svend Asmussen and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. He continued to play with many other great musicians from around the world.
His Later Years and Legacy
Ed Thigpen passed away peacefully in Copenhagen on January 13, 2010. He had been in the hospital for heart and lung issues. He was also dealing with Parkinson's disease. He is buried in Vestre Kirkegård.
Awards and Special Recognition
Ed Thigpen was a very respected drummer. In 2002, he was honored for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. This is a special award for drummers and percussionists.
Ed Thigpen's Music Albums
Ed Thigpen recorded many albums during his career. Some were his own albums, and he also played on many others with different artists.
Albums as the Main Artist
- 1966: Out of the Storm (Verve)
- 1974: Action-Re-Action (Sonet Records)
- 1974: Explosive Drums (Black & Blue)
- 1990: Young Men and Olds (Timeless Records)
- 1992: Mr. Taste (Justin Time Records)
- Stunt Records
- 1990: Easy Flight
- 1998: It's Entertainment
- 2002: Element of Swing
- 2004: #1
See also
In Spanish: Ed Thigpen para niños
