Freddie Keppard facts for kids

Freddie Keppard (born February 27, 1890 – died July 15, 1933) was an important American jazz cornet player. He was known as "King Keppard" in the New Orleans jazz scene. This special title was given to the best cornet player in the city. Before Freddie, Buddy Bolden held the title. Later, Joe Oliver became the next "King."

Freddie Keppard's Early Life and Music Career in New Orleans

Freddie Keppard was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family was part of the Creole of Color community. Freddie was born in 1890. His older brother, Louis Keppard, was also a musician.

Their home was full of music. Their mother first taught Freddie to play the violin. Louis played the guitar. When Freddie was young, he also learned the mandolin and accordion. He and Louis would play music together in their neighborhood.

Freddie started playing the cornet when he was sixteen. Many string players like him switched to brass instruments. This was because brass bands offered more job chances. Their mother became very proud when she saw them in their band uniforms.

Freddie and Louis became band leaders. They were part of the lively New Orleans jazz scene. Around 1905, Freddie started the Olympia Orchestra. This band played many types of music. They could play for fancy events and also for "hot" jazz clubs. Louis Keppard led the Magnolia Orchestra. Joe Oliver played cornet in Louis's band. Joe Oliver later became the "King" of cornet, taking the title from Freddie.

After the Olympia Orchestra, Freddie joined Frankie Dusen's Eagle Band. He took the place of Buddy Bolden. Soon after, Freddie was called "King Keppard." He was seen as the top horn player in New Orleans. Many people said Freddie's playing was very similar to Buddy Bolden's. It was strong, sharp, and had a ragtime rhythm.

Freddie Keppard and the Original Creole Orchestra

Around 1911 or 1912, a musician named Bill Johnson formed a new band. He wanted to share the New Orleans style of music across the country. He invited Freddie Keppard to play cornet. This group became known as the "Original Creole Orchestra."

The band started touring in 1913. They played in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. In 1914, they even played in Canada. These were some of the first jazz performances outside the United States. This helped jazz become known around the world. At the time, their music was called "ragtime." The word "jazz" became popular a few years later.

Freddie Keppard was a very well-known member of the band. He was often called the "star cornetist." Many people thought he led the band because of his fame. However, Bill Johnson was most likely the true leader.

The Original Creole Orchestra was very popular. They played in many theaters. Newspaper reviews in New York sometimes found their music "ragged." This showed that people outside New Orleans were not used to the "hot" jazz style.

In 1915, the band was offered a chance to record music. This would have been the first jazz recording ever! But Freddie Keppard decided not to record. A popular story says he worried others would "steal his stuff." He sometimes even played with a handkerchief over his hand. This was probably a fun trick to entertain the crowd.

Another reason was the money. The recording company offered only $25. This was much less than what the band earned on tour. The band also worried it was a trick to get them to record for free. The Original Creole Orchestra continued to tour successfully until 1918.

Freddie Keppard's Career in Chicago

Around 1917, Freddie Keppard moved to Chicago. This city became his new home. Soon after, Joe Oliver became known as Chicago's "cornet king." But Freddie still found many jobs. He played as a soloist and with famous bands. These included bands led by Jimmie Noone, Johnny Dodds, and Doc Cook.

Freddie Keppard helped bring New Orleans jazz to Chicago. His style made other bands want to move north. He encouraged other musicians to tour across the country.

Don Pasqual, who played with Doc Cook's band, said Freddie was amazing. He said Freddie would play his own parts without needing music written down. Freddie would just play what he felt.

Freddie Keppard's Recordings

Freddie Keppard made all his known recordings in Chicago. These were made between 1923 and 1927. By this time, other bands had already made the first jazz recordings. The Original Dixieland Jass Band, an all-white group, had a huge hit.

Many musicians who knew Freddie praised his talent. Mutt Carey, a trumpet player, called Freddie the best cornet player before Louis Armstrong. He said Freddie had a beautiful tone and played with great feeling. He could play any song well.

Willie Humphrey, a clarinet player, said Freddie was known as "the musician's musician." He was Jelly Roll Morton's favorite. Willie said Freddie had a beautiful, clear tone. You could hear him clearly from far away.

Jelly Roll Morton said Freddie had "the best ear, the best tone, and the most marvelous execution." Buster Bailey said Freddie could play soft or loud, sweet or rough. Many people felt Freddie Keppard should get more credit for his music.

Some people had different opinions about Freddie's playing. Some called him a "freak player" because he used many mutes and special techniques. Others said he was a "straighter player" than Joe Oliver.

Freddie's recordings include songs like "Stockyard Strut" and "Salty Dog." Many people said his recordings don't show how great he truly was. This is because his health was already getting worse when he recorded. Even so, his recordings show he was a skilled player. His style was more like ragtime, with a sharp and choppy sound.

Freddie Keppard suffered from tuberculosis in his last years. He kept playing music even when he was sick. By 1932, he could no longer work. He died in Chicago in 1933. Many people had forgotten him by then. However, in 1931, Louis Armstrong's band stopped their bus at Freddie's apartment. They went to greet the "old-timer," showing their respect.

See also

In Spanish: Freddie Keppard para niños