Jimmy Heath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimmy Heath
Heath in 1998
Background information
Birth name	James Edward Heath
Also known as	Little Bird
Born	(1926-10-25)October 25, 1926 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 19, 2020(2020-01-19) (aged 93) Loganville, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, bebop, hard bop
Occupation(s)	Musician, educator, composer, arranger
Instruments	Alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute
Years active	1940s–2020
Labels	Riverside, Limelight, Impulse, Atlantic, Verve, Xanadu, Landmark, SteepleChase
Associated acts	Heath Brothers, Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, Kenny Dorham, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Curtis Fuller, Julius Watkins, Nat Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Kenny Burrell, John Coltrane

James Edward Heath (born October 25, 1926 – died January 19, 2020) was a famous American jazz musician. People often called him Little Bird. He played the saxophone, wrote music, arranged songs, and led big bands. Jimmy was also the brother of Percy Heath, who played bass, and Albert Heath, a drummer.

Biography: The Life of a Jazz Legend

Jimmy Heath was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1926. Music was a big part of his family life. His dad was an auto mechanic who played the clarinet on weekends. His mom sang in the church choir. Their home was always filled with the sounds of big band jazz music. Jimmy's sister played piano, and his brothers, Percy and Albert, were also talented musicians.

Early Musical Journey

Jimmy first learned to play the alto saxophone. He got his nickname "Little Bird" because his playing style reminded people of the famous jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, whose nickname was "Bird." This happened when Jimmy worked with musicians like Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie in the late 1940s. Later, Jimmy switched to playing the tenor saxophone.

From 1945 to 1946, Jimmy played with the Nat Towles band. In 1946, he started his own band in Philadelphia. This band became very popular in the local jazz scene. Many future jazz stars played in his band, including John Coltrane and Benny Golson. Even famous musicians like Charlie Parker and Max Roach sometimes joined them on stage. Jimmy's band performed at famous places like the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Even though they played amazing music, they never officially released any recordings.

In 1949, Jimmy joined Dizzy Gillespie's band, which was a big step in his career. He also briefly played with Miles Davis in 1959. Throughout the 1960s, Jimmy often worked with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer, recording many albums.

The Heath Brothers Band

In 1975, Jimmy decided to form a band with his two brothers, Percy and Albert. They called themselves the Heath Brothers. Pianist Stanley Cowell also joined their group. The Heath Brothers became very well-known in the jazz world.

Composing and Teaching Music

Jimmy Heath was not just a great player; he was also a talented composer. He wrote many famous jazz songs, including "For Minors Only" and "Picture of Heath." He recorded these songs on his 1975 album, also called Picture of Heath.

In the 1980s, Jimmy started teaching music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, City University of New York. He became a professor and helped create the college's jazz program. He even brought other famous musicians, like Donald Byrd, to teach there. Jimmy also helped manage the Louis Armstrong Archives and the home of Louis and Lucille Armstrong. He taught at Queens College for over 20 years and also at Jazzmobile, an organization that brings jazz education to communities.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jimmy Heath married Mona Brown in 1960, and they had two children, Roslyn and Jeffrey. He was also the father of the R&B songwriter and musician James Mtume.

In 2010, Jimmy shared his life story in an autobiography called I Walked With Giants. He was a shorter man, standing just 5 feet, 3 inches tall.

A memorable moment in his life was when he played in a jazz concert at the White House. President Bill Clinton even borrowed Jimmy's saxophone to play a song!

Jimmy Heath passed away on January 19, 2020, in Loganville, Georgia. He was a true legend in the world of jazz music.

Awards and Achievements

Jimmy Heath received many honors during his long career. He was nominated for a Grammy Award several times. These nominations included his work on the liner notes for a John Coltrane album, and for his own albums Little Man Big Band and Live at the Public Theatre with The Heath Brothers.

In 2003, he received the prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Award. This award is given to jazz musicians who have made amazing contributions to the art form. In 2004, he was given an honorary Doctorate degree, which is a special recognition from a university.

Jimmy Heath played on more than 100 albums, including seven with the Heath Brothers and 12 as a band leader. He wrote over 125 musical pieces. Many of his compositions became jazz standards, meaning they are well-known and often played by other jazz artists. Some famous musicians who recorded his songs include Art Farmer, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie. Jimmy also wrote longer musical works, like seven suites and two string quartets. In 1988, his first symphonic work, Three Ears, was performed at Queens College.

Discography

As leader

With the Heath Brothers

As sideman

See also

In Spanish: Jimmy Heath para niños