Narvin Kimball facts for kids

Narvin Kimball (born March 2, 1909, died March 17, 2006) was a famous jazz musician. He was known for playing the banjo and the string bass. People also loved his amazing singing voice.

Narvin Kimball: A Jazz Musician's Life

Early Musical Journey

Narvin Kimball was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father, Henry Kimball, was also a respected string bass player. Narvin started playing music professionally when he was a teenager in the mid-1920s. He played with popular bands like Fate Marable's and Papa Celestin's. He even married a fellow musician from Celestin's band, pianist Jeanette Kimball.

A Change of Instruments and Day Jobs

During the 1930s, a tough time called the Great Depression, Narvin changed instruments. He switched from banjo to string bass. This allowed him to play in swing bands, like Sidney Desvigne's. However, music alone did not provide enough money. So, he took a day job as a mailman. He still played music in the evenings, leading his own band called "Narvin Kimball's Gentlemen of Jazz."

Post-War Success and Return to Banjo

After World War II, Narvin formed a singing group called "The Four Tones." This group included Fred Minor, Alvin Alcorn, and Louis Barbarin. They became quite popular in their local area. Around 1960, traditional jazz became popular again. This allowed Narvin to return to playing the banjo full-time.

He often performed at famous French Quarter places like Preservation Hall and Dixieland Hall. At Dixieland Hall, he often led his own band. Even with his music career, he kept his job as a postman until he retired in 1973. Before retiring, he only went on short tours during his vacation time. After 1973, he toured a lot across the United States and Europe. He played with the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band. His singing of "Georgia on My Mind" was always a big hit. He was the oldest member of the band when he retired in 1999 at age 90.

Later Years and Legacy

In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina threatened New Orleans, the leader of Preservation Hall, Ben Jaffe, made sure Narvin and his wife were safe. They were evacuated to Baton Rouge. Narvin Kimball passed away in 2006 while staying with relatives in South Carolina. He left behind a great legacy as a talented jazz musician and singer.