Larry Shields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Shields
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Shields c. 1924
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lawrence James Shields |
| Born | September 13, 1893 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | November 21, 1953 (aged 60) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Clarinet |
| Relatives | Harry Shields (brother) |
Lawrence James Shields (born September 13, 1893 – died November 21, 1953) was an American jazz musician. He played the clarinet and was famous for his role in the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. This band made history as the first jazz group to ever record music for sale.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Journey
Larry Shields grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family loved music! His brothers, Harry, Pat, and Eddie, were also professional musicians.
Larry started playing the clarinet when he was 14 years old. He played with bands led by Papa Jack Laine. Larry was one of the first musicians from New Orleans to move to Chicago.
Joining the First Jazz Band
In 1915, Larry moved to Chicago and played with different bands. In November 1916, he joined the Original Dixieland Jass Band (ODJB). This band became very famous.
The next year, the ODJB made the first jazz records. This made Larry Shields' clarinet playing known all over the country.
Life After the ODJB
Larry left the ODJB in 1921. He played with other bands in New York City. He even played briefly with the famous bandleader Paul Whiteman.
Later, Larry moved to Los Angeles, California. He lived there through the 1920s. He led his own band and even appeared in some Hollywood movies!
In the 1930s, Larry Shields went back to Chicago. He rejoined the ODJB when they got back together. He also played in New York and later returned to New Orleans and California. He passed away in Los Angeles in 1953.
Musical Impact and Legacy
Larry Shields' clarinet playing was very important. His music, especially on records, inspired many later jazz clarinet players. One famous musician he influenced was Benny Goodman.
Larry also helped write some classic jazz songs. He co-wrote "Clarinet Marmalade" and "At the Jazz Band Ball". He also helped create "Ostrich Walk" and "Fidgety Feet." These songs became jazz favorites and were recorded by many other bands.
Awards and Recognition
In 2006, one of his recordings received a special honor. His 1917 recording of "Darktown Strutters' Ball" with the Original Dixieland Jass Band was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. This shows how important his music was to jazz history.
See also
