Margie Hyams facts for kids

Marjorie Hyams (born August 9, 1920 – died June 14, 2012) was an American jazz musician. She played the vibraphone and piano. She was also an arranger, which means she helped create the musical parts for different instruments.

Marjorie started her music career in the 1940s. She played the vibraphone with famous jazz artists like Woody Herman and George Shearing. She also led her own music groups. One of her groups was a trio that played on 52nd Street in New York City. This street was a very famous place for jazz music back then. Even though some people spelled her name "Margie," she always preferred "Marjorie."

Her Music Career

Marjorie Hyams led her own music groups from 1940 to 1944. She then played with Woody Herman from 1944 to 1945. She also played with Flip Phillips in the mid-1940s.

Later, she formed another trio. This group included talented guitarists like Tal Farlow and Billy Bauer. They played together from 1945 to 1948. Marjorie also created music arrangements and sang with Charlie Ventura. She recorded music with Mary Lou Williams, another important jazz musician. From 1949 to 1950, Marjorie joined George Shearing's famous group.

Playing with Woody Herman

Marjorie Hyams met Woody Herman through a friend. Woody Herman was a bandleader who was known for hiring talented musicians. He had already hired a female trumpet player named Billie Rogers in 1941. This was unusual for the time.

Marjorie was one of several amazing vibraphone players who worked with Woody Herman. Other famous vibraphonists included Terry Gibbs and Milt Jackson.

Marjorie once shared how it felt to be a female musician back then. She said that in clubs, people were often more interested in her looks than her music. They wanted her to look "ultra feminine." She often fought against this idea. She preferred to wear a band uniform instead of a dress. Looking back, she realized that these challenges were due to unfair treatment of women in music.

Playing with George Shearing

Marjorie Hyams was one of the first members of George Shearing's very popular group, the quintet. This group became famous in 1949 and 1950. They created a new and special sound in jazz music. Many other groups tried to copy their style.

George Shearing himself said that Marjorie was a "very fine musician." He noted that she was well-trained in classical piano. But she started playing the vibraphone in the early 1940s. They got along well, and Marjorie even wrote some original songs for the quintet. One of these songs was called "November Seascape." Marjorie left the group after about a year and a half. George Shearing thought she might have gotten tired of working for someone else and traveling so much.

Her Family Life

On June 6, 1950, Marjorie Hyams married William G. Ericsson in Chicago. After that, from 1951 to 1970, she continued to play music, teach, and arrange in Chicago.

Marjorie and Bill had three children: Lisa, Kristin, and Tod.

Marjorie's brother, Mark Hyams, was also a jazz pianist. He played with big bands in the 1930s.

Images for kids

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  South side of 52nd Street, New York, between 5th & 6th Avenues — looking east (ca. 1948). Notice the Margie Hyams Trio on the marquee at the 3 Deuces. Photo: William P. Gottlieb, United States Library of Congress's Music Division