Jimmy Witherspoon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimmy Witherspoon
Witherspoon in June 1976
Background information
Born	(1920-08-08)August 8, 1920 Gurdon, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	September 18, 1997(1997-09-18) (aged 77) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Blues, jump blues
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1940s–1995

James Witherspoon (born August 8, 1920 – died September 18, 1997) was a famous American singer. He was known for his powerful voice in a style of music called jump blues. This style combines blues music with faster, more upbeat jazz rhythms. People often called him "Jimmy" Witherspoon.

Early Life and Family

Jimmy Witherspoon was born in Gurdon, Arkansas. His father worked on the railroad and loved to sing in local choirs. His mother was a talented piano player. Music was clearly a big part of his family life.

Interestingly, Jimmy Witherspoon's grandson, Ahkello Witherspoon, is also famous. He plays professional football as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before becoming a singer, Jimmy Witherspoon joined the Merchant Marines. This was a group of ships that carried goods during wartime.

Music Career Highlights

Jimmy Witherspoon first gained attention while singing in Calcutta, India. He performed with Teddy Weatherford's band during World War II. Their performances were even broadcast on the US Armed Forces Radio Service.

He made his very first recordings in 1945 with Jay McShann's band. In 1947, he started recording songs under his own name. Two years later, he had his first big hit song. It was called "Ain't Nobody's Business". This song became his most famous tune.

In 1950, he had more hit songs. These included "No Rollin' Blues" and "Big Fine Girl." He also had success with "Failing by Degrees" and "New Orleans Woman." These were recorded live in 1949 at a concert in Pasadena, California. Another well-known song by Witherspoon is "Times Gettin' Tougher Than Tough."

Jimmy Witherspoon performed at several important music events. These were called the Cavalcade of Jazz concerts. They took place in Los Angeles at Wrigley Field. He shared the stage with many other famous artists. These included Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Roy Brown. People admired his strong, clear voice. They said he could sing blues with power and ballads with surprising sweetness.

By the mid-1950s, his style of blues, known as "blues shouter," became less popular. However, he made a big comeback in 1959. His album Jimmy Witherspoon at the Monterey Jazz Festival brought him back into the spotlight. On this album, he performed with jazz legends like Roy Eldridge and Coleman Hawkins. Later, he also recorded music with other great musicians such as Gerry Mulligan and T-Bone Walker.

Tours and Collaborations

In 1961, Jimmy Witherspoon traveled to Europe with Buck Clayton. He visited the UK many times to perform. In the mid-1960s, he recorded a live album there called Spoon Sings and Swings. He also appeared on an album with Brother Jack McDuff in 1970.

During the 1970s, Witherspoon recorded the album Guilty! with Eric Burdon. He then toured with his own band, which included talented musicians like Robben Ford. Another recording from this time, Spoonful, featured him with Joe Sample and Bernard Purdie. He continued to perform and record music well into the 1990s.

Jimmy Witherspoon worked with many other famous artists throughout his career. Some of these included Earl "Fatha" Hines, Count Basie, Van Morrison, and Jimmy Smith.

Acting Roles

Besides singing, Jimmy Witherspoon also appeared in movies. In the 1995 film Georgia, he played a character named Trucker. Trucker was a traveling blues singer.

He also had roles in other films. He played Nate Williams in The Black Godfather (1974). Later, he appeared as Percy in To Sleep with Anger (1990).

Later Life and Legacy

Jimmy Witherspoon passed away on September 18, 1997. He died in Los Angeles, California, from a type of cancer. His music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. He left behind a great legacy as a powerful and influential blues singer.

Discography

Chart singles

DVDs

• 2003: 20th Century Jazz Masters: Mel Tormé/Jimmy Witherspoon/Carmen McRae/Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan
• 2003: Jazz Casual: Jimmy Witherspoon, Jimmy Rushing
• 2009: Jimmy Witherspoon: Goin' Down Blues

Filmography

• 2000: Jazz Casual: Jimmy Witherspoon & Ben Webster (Jazz Casual/Idem)
• 2009: Jimmy Witherspoon: Goin' Down Blues with Marshal Royal and John Collins

See also

In Spanish: Jimmy Witherspoon para niños