Jim Pepper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Pepper
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jim Gilbert Pepper II |
| Born | June 18, 1941 Salem, Oregon, United States |
| Died | February 10, 1992 (aged 50) Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Genres | Jazz, Native American |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Tenor and alto saxophone, flute, percussion |
Jim Gilbert Pepper II (born June 18, 1941 – died February 10, 1992) was a talented jazz musician. He was a saxophonist, composer, and singer. Jim Pepper had a special background, being of Kaw and Muscogee Creek Native American heritage. He was known for blending jazz music with Native American sounds.
He moved to New York City in 1964. There, he became famous in the late 1960s. He was part of a group called The Free Spirits. This band was one of the first to mix jazz and rock music. Jim Pepper played the tenor saxophone. He also played the alto saxophone and flute. He recorded many albums as a band leader. He also played with other famous musicians. Jim Pepper passed away at age 50 from a type of cancer called lymphoma.
Contents
Early Life
Jim Pepper was born on June 18, 1941. His parents were Gilbert and Floy Pepper. He was born in Salem, Oregon. He grew up in Portland. He went to Parkrose High School and Madison High School.
His Music Journey
Starting in Music
In the late 1960s, Jim Pepper helped create a new style of music. This style was called fusion jazz. It mixes jazz with other types of music, like rock. His band, The Free Spirits, was active from 1965 to 1968. They are known for being one of the first bands to combine jazz and rock.
Native American Influence
Jim Pepper was proud of his Kaw and Creek heritage. He became well-known for writing songs that mixed jazz with Native American music. Other musicians like Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman encouraged him. They told him to use his Native American roots in his jazz music.
He helped organize a special concert in 1980. It was called Night of the First Americans. This concert helped raise awareness for Native Americans. He also played at many powwows. Jim Pepper supported the American Indian Movement.
"Witchi Tai To" Song
Jim Pepper was part of a band called Everything Is Everything. In 1969, they released a song called "Witchi Tai To". Jim Pepper was the lead singer on this song. It became a popular song, reaching number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song was special because it was the only hit song on the Billboard pop charts to feature a real Native American chant.
The song "Witchi Tai To" came from a peyote song of the Native American Church. Jim Pepper learned it from his grandfather. It is the most famous example of his unique style. This style blended jazz with Native American sounds. Many other artists have covered this song. Some of them include Harper's Bizarre and Jan Garbarek.
Collaborations and Albums
Jim Pepper worked with many great musicians. These included Don Cherry, Naná Vasconcelos, and John Scofield. His CD Comin' and Goin' from 1984 was very important. It showed off his unique "American Indian jazz" style. He also toured a lot in Europe.
His Legacy
Jim Pepper passed away on February 10, 1992. He died from lymphoma.
After his death, his music continued to be celebrated. In 1998, a composer named Gunther Schuller created a special piece. It was called Witchi Tai To: The Music of Jim Pepper. It was played by a symphony orchestra and a jazz band.
Jim Pepper received many honors after he died. In 1999, he got the Lifetime Musical Achievement Award. This award was from First Americans in the Arts. In 2000, he was added to the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame. In 2005, the Oregon Legislative Assembly honored him. They recognized his amazing musical achievements.
In 2007, the National Museum of the American Indian honored him too. They accepted his saxophone and hat. This was a ceremony to celebrate his music and what he left behind.
Discography
Jim Pepper released many albums during his career. Here are some of his main albums:
- Pepper's Pow Wow (1971)
- Comin' and Goin' (1983)
- Dakota Song (1987)
- Art of the Duo (1988) with Mal Waldron
- The Path (1988)
- West End Avenue (1989)
- Camargue (1989)
- Flying Eagle: Live at New Morning, Paris (1989)
- Remembrance (1990)
- Polar Bear Stomp (1991)
- Afro Indian Blues (1991)
He also recorded with bands like Everything Is Everything and The Free Spirits.
As a Featured Musician
Jim Pepper also played on many albums for other artists. Some of these include:
- With Marty Cook: Nightwork (1987)
- With Larry Coryell: Coryell (1969)
- With Charlie Haden: The Ballad of the Fallen (1983)
- With Paul Motian: The Story of Maryam (1984), Jack of Clubs (1985), Misterioso (1987)
- With Mal Waldron: Remembering the Moment (1987)
Filmography
- Pepper's Pow Wow (1995). This film was directed by Sandra Sunrising Osawa. It tells the story of Jim Pepper's life and music.
