Joe McQueen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe McQueen
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Joe Leandrew McQueen |
| Born | May 30, 1919 Ponder, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | December 7, 2019 (aged 100) Ogden, Utah, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Saxophone |
| Years active | 1930s–2019 |
Joe Leandrew McQueen (born May 30, 1919 – died December 7, 2019) was a famous American jazz saxophone player. People also knew him as Joe Lee McQueen. He played jazz music for many years.
Contents
A Life in Music
Early Years
Joe McQueen was born in Ponder, Texas. He grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. When he was young, his father left. His mother passed away when he was 14 years old. After that, he lived with his grandparents. Joe met Thelma on a dance floor in Ardmore. They fell in love and got married on June 10, 1944.
Settling in Utah
Joe McQueen traveled across the United States with different bands. In 1945, he and his wife Thelma were passing through Ogden, Utah. The leader of their band had some money problems. Because of this, Joe and Thelma decided to stay in Ogden.
Playing with Legends
In Ogden, Joe McQueen played with many famous jazz musicians. These musicians would often stop in Utah during their tours. Some of the legends he played with include Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Paul Gonsalves, Lester Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles. In 1962, he also played with Hoagy Carmichael in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Joe McQueen kept performing for a very long time. He was still playing music even as he got close to 100 years old!
Awards and Special Honors
Joe McQueen received many awards for his music. A documentary film was made about him. It was called King of O-Town. In 2002, the governor of Utah created "Joe McQueen Day." This special day is celebrated every year on April 18. In 2019, the Utah government honored him again. This was to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Later Life
Health Challenges
In 1969, Joe McQueen had throat cancer. He had surgery and stopped playing his saxophone for a few years. But he recovered and continued his amazing music career.
His Final Years
Joe McQueen passed away on December 7, 2019. He was 100 years old. He was survived by his wife, Thelma. They had been married for 75 years.
See also
In Spanish: Joe McQueen para niños
