Tommy Benford facts for kids

Thomas Benford was a talented American jazz drummer. He was born on April 19, 1905, and passed away on March 24, 1994.

Tommy Benford's Early Life

Tommy Benford was born in Charleston, West Virginia. He had an older brother named Bill, who played the tuba. Both Tommy and Bill were orphans. They learned music at the Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tommy started playing drums in the orphanage band. He loved the drums so much that he kept playing them for over 60 years! When he was young, Tommy even went on a music tour with his school band. They traveled all the way to England in 1914.

Becoming a Professional Musician

By 1920, Tommy was already working with a group called the Green River Minstrel Show. He became a well-known jazz drummer. Tommy recorded music with the famous musician Jelly Roll Morton in 1928 and again in 1930.

He also had the chance to play with other legendary jazz artists. These included Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Eddie South.

Playing Music in Europe

From 1932 to 1941, Tommy Benford lived in Europe. While he was there, he took part in some very special recording sessions in Paris in 1937. He played alongside other amazing musicians like Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Django Reinhardt, and Stéphane Grappelli. These recordings are still remembered as important moments in jazz history.

Tommy Benford passed away on March 24, 1994. He died at Mount Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, New York.