Eddie Durham facts for kids

Edward Durham (born August 19, 1906 – died March 6, 1987) was an American jazz musician. He was a talented guitarist, trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is known as one of the first people to use an electric guitar in jazz music.

Many famous bands, like those led by Bennie Moten, Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller, used his amazing songs and arrangements. He helped write "Topsy", which became a big hit for Benny Goodman. In the 1940s, Eddie Durham also started his own all-female swing band called Eddie Durham's All-Star Girl Orchestra. They toured all over the United States and Canada.

Early Life and Music

Edward Durham was born in San Marcos, Texas, on August 19, 1906. His parents were Joseph Durham Sr. and Luella Rabb Durham. From a very young age, Eddie played music with his family in their band, the Durham Brothers Band. When he was eighteen, he started traveling and playing music with other bands in different areas.

A Pioneer with the Electric Guitar

Eddie Durham was a true innovator in jazz music. Starting in 1929, he began trying out new ways to make his guitar sound louder. He used things like resonators and megaphones.

In 1935, he made history! He was the first person to record a song using an electrically amplified guitar. This happened with Jimmie Lunceford's band on a song called "Hittin' the Bottle." It was recorded in New York for Decca Records. Later, in 1938, Eddie Durham recorded electric guitar solos where he played one note at a time. He did this with a group called the Kansas City Five, which included members from Count Basie's band.

His Music and Recordings

Eddie Durham recorded his own music and also played with many other famous artists.

As a Band Leader

• Eddie Durham (RCA, 1974)
• Blue Bone (JSP, 1981)

Playing with Others

He played with many great jazz musicians, including:

• Bennie Moten (1929–1932)
• Jimmie Lunceford (1935–1939)
• Count Basie (1937–1941)
• Lester Young (1938)
• Glenn Miller (1938–1942)

Famous Songs and Arrangements

Eddie Durham wrote and arranged many popular jazz songs for big bands. Here are some of his well-known works:

• For Bennie Moten:
  • "Moten Swing" (1932)

• For Jimmie Lunceford:
  • "Hittin' the Bottle" (1935)
  • "Harlem Shout" (1936)
  • "Wham (Re.Bop.Boom-Bam)" (1939)
  • "Lunceford Special" (1939)

• For Count Basie:
  • "Time Out" (1937)
  • "Topsy" (1937)
  • "Swinging the Blues" (1938)
  • "Jumpin' at the Woodside" (1938)

• For Glenn Miller:
  • "In The Mood" (1939)
  • "Wham (Re.Bop.Boom-Bam)" (1939)

See also

• International Sweethearts of Rhythm
• Eddie Durham's All-Star Girl Orchestra
• List of jazz arrangers