Jimmy Blanton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmie Blanton
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Blanton |
| Born | October 5, 1918 Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States |
| Died | July 30, 1942 (aged 23) Duarte, California, United States |
| Genres | Jazz, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Double bass |
| Years active | 1936–41 |
| Associated acts | Duke Ellington |
James Blanton (born October 5, 1918 – died July 30, 1942) was an American jazz musician. He played the double bass. Jimmie Blanton is famous for changing how the bass was played in jazz music. He made the bass a solo instrument. Before him, the bass mostly kept the rhythm.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Jimmie Blanton was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he was young, he first learned to play the violin. Later, when he went to Tennessee State University, he started playing the double bass.
From 1936 to 1937, he played with his college band, the Tennessee State Collegians. During his school breaks, he also played music with a band led by Fate Marable.
Joining Duke Ellington's Band
In 1938, Blanton left university to play music full-time. He moved to St. Louis and played with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra.
In 1939, Jimmie Blanton joined Duke Ellington's famous band. This was a very important step in his career. On November 22, 1939, Blanton and Ellington made history. They recorded two songs together: "Blues" and "Plucked Again." These were the first time a piano and bass were recorded playing duets for sale.
They recorded more duets in 1940. Blanton also played important parts in the band's bigger songs. He even joined some informal jam sessions in New York. These sessions helped create a new style of jazz called bebop.
The Blanton–Webster Band
Duke Ellington knew how talented Jimmie Blanton was. He often put Blanton at the front of the stage. This was very unusual for a bass player at that time.
Blanton was so important to Ellington's band. Along with tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, they made the band extra special. People even started calling it the Blanton–Webster band. Blanton also played in smaller groups led by other famous musicians like Barney Bigard and Johnny Hodges.
Sadly, Jimmie Blanton had to leave Ellington's band in late 1941. He was very sick.
Playing Style and Influence
When Jimmie Blanton played with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, he started using new ways to play the bass. He used techniques from classical music, like pizzicato (plucking the strings) and arco (using a bow). He made the bass more of a solo instrument in jazz.
When he joined Duke Ellington, Blanton completely changed how the double bass was used in jazz music. He was incredibly skilled. He became the first true master of the jazz bass. He showed everyone that the bass could be a lead instrument.
Blanton could play with great speed and a wide range of notes. His sound was full and clear. He always played in tune and had an amazing sense of swing. He added many interesting notes to his bass lines. This made his playing unique and inspired other musicians. His new ideas helped create the rhythm section for the bebop style of jazz.
Jimmie Blanton's impact was huge. For many years, almost all modern bass players learned from his new ideas. This continued until new styles came along in the 1960s.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1941, Jimmie Blanton was diagnosed with tuberculosis. This was a serious illness. He died on July 30, 1942, at a special hospital in Duarte, California. He was only 23 years old. Even though he died young, Jimmie Blanton left a lasting mark on jazz music.
Discography
- Never No Lament (Jazz: Bluebird, 2003)
- Things Ain't What They Used To Be (Jazz: RCA Victor, 1966)
See also
In Spanish: Jimmy Blanton para niños
