Jeanette Kimball facts for kids
Jeanette Kimball (born December 18, 1906 – died March 28, 2001) was a talented American jazz pianist. Her birth name was Jeanette Salvant. She played jazz music for over 70 years, mostly in New Orleans. In 1998, she received a special honor called the Black Men of Labor Jazz Legacy Award.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Jeanette Kimball was born in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Her family had French Creole roots, which means they had a mix of French, Spanish, and African heritage in Louisiana. Her uncle, Isadore "Tuts" Washington, was also a famous blues pianist.
Jeanette started playing the piano when she was just seven years old. As a teenager, she became a professional musician. She first played classical music with string groups. Soon after, she began playing jazz, which became her main focus.
A Long Career in Jazz
Jeanette Kimball's career in jazz music lasted for more than 70 years. In 1926, she joined a dance band called Papa Celestin's Original Tuxedo Orchestra. This band played "Society" music, which was popular for dances. She toured the southern United States with them.
In 1929, Jeanette married Narvin Kimball, who played the banjo and guitar. He was also a member of Papa Celestin's band. Jeanette took a break from music in 1935 to focus on her family.
Returning to Music
After some time, Jeanette Kimball started her music career again in the mid-1940s. She continued to use the name Kimball. During this period, she worked with many other musicians like Buddy Charles, Herb Leary, and Sidney Desvigne. Besides jazz, she also served as an organist and choir director at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
In the 1950s, Jeanette rejoined Papa Celestin's band when he brought it back together. Later, the band was led by Papa French. She also became a member of the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band. She played with Clive Wilson's Original Camellia Jazz Band too.
Recordings and Awards
Jeanette Kimball recorded several albums during her career. In 1976, she appeared on a live album from the Jazz Festival Breda. It was called Jeanette Kimball Meets the Fondy Riverside Bullet Band. Her own album, Sophisticated Lady, was released in 1999. On this album, she played with Frank Fields and Freddie Kohlman.
In 1999, she received the Black Men of Labor Jazz Legacy Award. This award honored her long and important contributions to jazz music. Between 1953 and 1991, Jeanette Kimball participated in 72 recording sessions. She played with many jazz legends, including Alvin Alcorn, Paul Barbarin, Papa Celestin, Punch Miller, and Johnny St. Cyr.
Later Years
In the 1990s, Jeanette Kimball moved away from New Orleans. She lived in Ohio and later in South Carolina. She passed away in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2001, at the age of 94. Her music continues to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world.
