McKinney's Cotton Pickers facts for kids
McKinney's Cotton Pickers was a famous American jazz band. They started in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in 1926. The band was first led by William McKinney, who made his group, the Synco Septet, bigger by adding more musicians. Later, Cuba Austin took over playing the drums, and McKinney became the band's manager. Between 1927 and 1931, they were one of the most popular African American bands. Many of their songs recorded for Victor sold very well.
Contents
The Band's Start and Sound
In 1927, a talented musician named Don Redman joined McKinney's Cotton Pickers. He used to work with Fletcher Henderson as an arranger and saxophone player. Redman became the band's musical director and helped put together their unique sound. Another musician, John Nesbitt, also helped Redman with the music arrangements and practices.
Key Musicians in 1928
The band in 1928 had many skilled players. They included:
- Cuba Austin on drums and vocals
- Langston Curl on trumpet
- Ralph Escudero on tuba
- Claude Jones
- Don Redman on clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and vocals
- Todd Rhodes on piano and celeste
- Prince Robinson on clarinet and tenor saxophone
- Milton Senior on trombone
- George Thomas on clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and vocals
- Dave Wilborn on banjo and vocals
Other Talented Members
Many other musicians played with the band over time. Some of these included:
- George Bias (vocals)
- Benny Carter (clarinet, alto saxophone)
- Doc Cheatham (trumpet)
- Bill Coti (vocals)
- Ed Cuffee (trombone)
- Lois Deppe (vocals)
- Jimmy Dudley (clarinet, tenor saxophone)
- Robert Inge (clarinet, alto saxophone)
- Quentin Jackson (trombone)
- Moxey-Hilton Jefferson (clarinet, alto saxophone)
- James P. Johnson (piano)
- Buddy Lee (trumpet)
- Donald King (vocals)
- Frank Marvin (vocals)
- Theodore McCord (clarinet, tenor saxophone)
- Jim Napier (vocals)
- Rex Stewart (cornet)
- Billy Taylor (tuba)
Towards the end of 1929, some famous solo musicians also played with the band for recordings. These included Leonard Davis (trumpet), Sidney de Paris (trumpet), Coleman Hawkins (clarinet, tenor saxophone), Fats Waller (piano, celeste), Joe "Fox" Smith (trumpet, cornet), and Kaiser Marshall (drums).
Changes and Challenges
In 1931, Don Redman left the band to start his own group. Benny Carter took his place as the new leader. The band kept playing for a few more years. However, they faced a big challenge: the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money, and it became very hard for bands to make enough money to keep going. Because of these tough times, McKinney's Cotton Pickers eventually broke up in 1934.
The band's manager, Jean Goldkette, helped them record a song called "Birmingham Bertha" in July 1929.
A New Beginning
Many years later, in the early 1970s, a new group called "A New McKinney's Cotton Pickers" was formed by David Hutson. This band used the original music arrangements created by Don Redman. They recorded several albums and even featured Dave Wilborn, who was the only original member of the first band still alive and playing.
