Jazz Gillum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jazz Gillum
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| Birth name | William McKinley Gillum |
| Born | September 11, 1904 Indianola, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | March 29, 1966 (aged 61) Chicago, Illinois |
| Genres | Chicago blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Harmonica |
| Years active | 1923–1961 |
| Labels | ARC, Bluebird, Folkways |
William McKinley Gillum, known as Jazz Gillum, was an American blues musician. He was famous for playing the harmonica. He was born on September 11, 1904, in Indianola, Mississippi. Jazz Gillum played music for many years, from 1923 until 1961.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Jazz Gillum was born in Indianola, Mississippi. When he was young, he moved to Charleston, Mississippi. There, he started playing music on the streets to earn money.
In 1923, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. This is where he met another famous musician, the guitarist Big Bill Broonzy. They became a musical team and began playing together in nightclubs around the city.
Recording His Music
By 1934, Jazz Gillum started recording his music. He worked with record companies like ARC Records and Bluebird Records. His recordings became very popular.
He often played as a sideman, which means he played with other main musicians on their songs. Many of his recordings were part of the popular "Bluebird beat" sound. This sound was created by producer Lester Melrose in the 1930s and 1940s.
A Famous Blues Song
In 1940, Jazz Gillum was the first to record the well-known blues song "Key to the Highway". He played it with Big Bill Broonzy on guitar. Gillum's version of the song set the standard for how it is played today. Many musicians have covered this song since then.
Early Electric Guitar Sounds
Jazz Gillum's music was also special because it featured early uses of the electric guitar in blues. In 1938, a young 16-year-old jazz guitarist named George Barnes played on some of Gillum's songs. This helped bring a new sound to blues music.
Later Years and Legacy
Jazz Gillum served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. After his service, he continued to make music.
In 1946, he recorded an early version of "Look on Yonder Wall" with Big Maceo Merriweather on piano. This song later became very popular thanks to Elmore James.
After the Bluebird record label closed, Gillum recorded less often. His last recordings were in 1961. He made two albums with Memphis Slim and Arbee Stidham for Folkways Records.
Jazz Gillum passed away on March 29, 1966, in Chicago. He is buried at Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. His daughter, Ardella Williams, also became a blues singer in Chicago.
See also
- List of blues musicians
- List of Chicago blues musicians
- List of country blues musicians
- List of harmonicists
