Wellman Braud facts for kids

Wellman Braud (born January 25, 1891 – died October 29, 1966) was an American jazz musician. He was famous for playing the upright bass. His family sometimes spelled their last name "Breaux," which sounds like "Bro."

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Wellman Braud was born in St. James Parish, Louisiana. When he was a teenager, he moved to New Orleans. He started playing music very early. Before 1910, he was already playing the violin and the upright bass. He even led his own music trio in the famous Storyville District.

Moving to New Cities

In 1917, Wellman moved to Chicago, Illinois. He continued to play music there. A few years later, in 1923, he traveled to London. He was part of the Plantation Orchestra. In this band, he played both the bass and the trombone.

After his trip, he moved to New York City. There, he played with Wilber Sweatman's band. Soon after, he joined the famous Duke Ellington's orchestra.

Wellman Braud's Unique Bass Style

Wellman Braud was a very important bass player. He helped change how the bass was played in jazz music.

The Walking Bass Style

Many people, including musician Branford Marsalis, say Wellman Braud was the first to use the "walking bass" style. This is a way of playing the bass where the notes move smoothly, like someone walking. Before him, bass players often used a "two-beat" pattern. This was more common in the New Orleans style, often played by a tuba.

Slap Bass and Its Popularity

Wellman Braud's bass playing was full of energy. He would pluck the strings, slap them, and even use a bow. This made his music very lively. His playing was a key part of Duke Ellington's Orchestra in the 1920s and 1930s.

Ellington's band often played on the radio and made recordings. Wellman's unique "slap style" of playing the upright bass became very popular. Because of him, many dance bands started using an upright bass instead of a tuba. Wellman could also play the tuba, and he recorded some songs with Ellington using that instrument.

Later Career and Collaborations

Wellman Braud continued to play with many different musicians and bands throughout his life.

Working with Other Jazz Greats

In 1936, Wellman helped manage a club in Harlem. He ran it with another musician named Jimmie Noone. From 1935 to 1937, he also recorded music with a group called Spirits of Rhythm.

He played with other bands in New York. These included bands led by Kaiser Marshall, Hot Lips Page, and Sidney Bechet. He even returned to play with Duke Ellington again in 1944.

Joining New Bands

In 1956, Wellman Braud joined the Kid Ory Band. In the late 1950s, he became part of Barbara Dane's trio. He played alongside pianist Kenny Whitson. During this time, he turned down chances to rejoin Duke Ellington's band or tour with Louis Armstrong.

Personal Life and Legacy

Wellman Braud had a connection to another famous musical family.

Family Connections

He was a distant relative of the Marsalis brothers. They are a well-known family of jazz musicians. Wellman was related to them through their mother's side of the family.

His Passing and Tributes

Wellman Braud passed away in Los Angeles, California, when he was 76 years old.

After his death, Duke Ellington honored him. Ellington included a song called ‘Portrait of Wellman Braud’ on his 1970 album, New Orleans Suite. This song was a tribute to Wellman's important contributions to jazz music.

See also

In Spanish: Wellman Braud para niños