JAZZ

Singer

Mildred Bailey

* February 27, 1907 in Tekoa (WS), USA
✝ December 12, 1951 in Poughkeepsie (NY), USA

Mildred Bailey was an influential American jazz singer known for her light soprano voice and skillful jazz phrasing. She was heavily influenced by Ethel Waters and Bessie Smith, becoming one of the first nonblack jazz singers of note.

Born on the Coeur d’Alene reservation to a white father and an Indian mother, Bailey’s early musical influences came from her mother, a pianist. After moving to Spokane and losing her mother in 1916, she became independent by age 17. Bailey’s early career included jobs as a pianist in movie theaters, a music clerk, and a speakeasy singer. Her marriage to Ted Bailey gave her the surname she retained.

Her career advanced when she moved to Los Angeles with her second husband, Benny Stafford. There, she sang in nightclubs and inspired Al Rinker to pursue music careers in Los Angeles. She joined Paul Whiteman’s orchestra in 1929 as its first featured female vocalist, gaining fame with songs like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Rockin’ Chair,” earning her the nickname “Rockin’ Chair Lady.”

In 1933, she married Red Norvo, Whiteman’s xylophonist, and began her solo career. She recorded with top jazz musicians, appeared on radio programs, and performed at popular venues. When Norvo formed his own band in 1936, Bailey joined as the featured soloist, and they became known as “Mr. and Mrs. Swing.” Some of her notable songs include “Someday Sweetheart,” “More than You Know,” and “The Lamp Is Low.”

Bailey continued her solo career after the Norvo band disbanded in 1939, performing at top New York nightclubs and hosting her own CBS radio series in 1944. Health issues after 1945 limited her activities, but she continued to perform occasionally until her death.

YOU DON’T KNOW MY MIND BLUES (1935)

Uncommon Facts:

Native American Heritage: Mildred Bailey was part of the Coeur d’Alene people, a Native American tribe. Her heritage played a significant role in her life and music, making her one of the first Native Americans to achieve prominence in the jazz genre.

Influence on Bing Crosby: Before achieving fame, Mildred Bailey worked at a music store in Spokane, Washington, where she met a young Bing Crosby. Bailey played a crucial role in shaping Crosby’s early career, introducing him to jazz and influencing his singing style. This connection is often overshadowed by their subsequent individual successes.

Trumpeter / Singer / Composer

Sy Oliver

* December 17, 1910, in Battle Creek (MI), USA
✝ May 28, 1988, in New York, USA

Sy Oliver, born on December 17, 1910, in Battle Creek, Michigan, was a renowned American jazz arranger, trumpeter, composer, singer, and bandleader. His musical journey began under the influence of his mother, a piano teacher, and his father, a multi-instrumentalist known for demonstrating saxophones. At 17, Oliver embarked on his career, joining bands like Zack Whyte’s Chocolate Beau Brummels and Alphonse Trent’s band, where he became known for his „growling“ trumpet playing and arranging skills.

In 1933, he joined Jimmie Lunceford’s band, contributing as a trumpet player, arranger, and songwriter. His arrangements for Lunceford, like „My Blue Heaven“ and „Ain’t She Sweet“, were notable, as was his original composition „For Dancers Only,“ which became the band’s theme song. His work with Lunceford showcased innovation and originality, rivaling even Duke Ellington’s.

Oliver’s career took a significant turn in 1939 when he joined Tommy Dorsey’s band, becoming one of the first African Americans with a prominent role in a white band. With Dorsey, his arrangement of „On the Sunny Side of the Street“ and compositions like „Yes, Indeed!“ and „Opus One“ were hits. He left Dorsey in 1946 to work as a freelance arranger and music director for Decca Records.

Among his notable works during this period were recording the first American version of „C’est si bon“ and „La Vie en rose“ for Louis Armstrong in 1950 and arranging for the Frank Sinatra album „I Remember Tommy“ in 1961. He continued his musical endeavors at the Rainbow Room in New York from 1974 until his retirement in 1984.

Sy Oliver passed away on May 28, 1988, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering jazz musician and arranger.

FOR DANCERS ONLY (1950)

Trumpeter / Singer

Monte Easter

* December 15, 1913 in Coffeyville, USA
✝ December 25, 2000 in Los Angeles, USA

(Isadore Leonidas) Monte Easter, a notable Kansas City jazz musician, was born in 1913 in Coffeyville, Kansas, and passed away in December 2000 in Los Angeles, California​​​​. His musical journey began with training at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music under Jimmy Stamps. Easter’s style and sound significantly influenced and contributed to the careers of many popular musicians. He worked with a diverse array of artists, including guitarist Jimmy Nolan, singers Gloria Shannon and Judy Canova, pianist Jay McShann, and saxophonist Hubert Allen, among others​​​​.

Easter’s career saw several notable milestones. In 1946, he worked with singer Mary DePina for Aladdin Records, resulting in four songs that earned a place in the Billboard Encyclopedia of Hit Recordings​​.

By 1951, he had signed with Lew Chudd’s Imperial Records and, with his band, the Harlem Swingsters, released records like „I’m Hunched.“ His work continued with various labels, including the Discovery label and Aladdin label, where he recorded tracks like „After Dark“ and „Blues in the Evening,“ which received positive reviews from Billboard​​.

Later in his career, after a brief retirement and a stint at the Post Office, Easter returned to music in the 1980s. He formed „Kansas City Jazz,“ featuring various musicians and himself on trumpet. He also founded his own label, „Intrigue,“ releasing several compilations like „I Was Mad,“ „Do the Hoosie Doosie,“ and „Sounds of Kansas City“​​.

Easter’s contribution to jazz and his unique style made him a significant figure in the Kansas City jazz scene, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and the artists he collaborated with throughout his career.

EMPTY BED BLUES (1946)

Blues Rhythm (May 2002) – Monte Easter

Trio

Loumell Morgan Trio

The Loumell Morgan Trio, active mainly in the 1940s, was an influential jazz and blues group. The trio was led by pianist Loumell Morgan, born on October 27, 1912, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Before forming the trio, Morgan played with Slim Gaillard’s Flat Foot Floogie Boys and Tiny Bradshaw. The group’s first appearance was in June 1941 in Philadelphia. Known for their jive style initially, they evolved into an improvisational jazz group.

The trio, including bassist Lynwood „Duke“ Jones and guitarist Roosevelt James „Ham“ Jackson, was known for its tight, rhythmic vocal harmonies and lively performances. They were popular on several radio programs, appeared in movies, and performed at notable venues like Kelly’s Stable in Manhattan and the Swanee Inn in Los Angeles. They also had their own 15-minute radio broadcast and were involved in promoting War Bonds during World War II.

Despite not making many commercial recordings, the Loumell Morgan Trio left a significant mark on the jazz and blues scene of their time, eventually parting ways by the mid-1940s.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT (1946)

The Vocal Group Harmony Website

Crooner & Jazz Guitarist

Nick Lucas

* August 22, 1897, in Newark, USA
✝ July 28, 1982, in Colorado Springs, USA

Nick Lucas, born Dominic Nicholas Anthony Lucanese on August 22, 1897, in Newark, New Jersey, was a pioneering American jazz singer and guitarist. He began his musical career early, learning guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele, and started performing for money as a child. By 25, Lucas gained fame with hits like „Pickin‘ the Guitar“ and „Teasin‘ the Frets,“ becoming the first jazz guitarist to record solo. His signature song, „Tiptoe Through the Tulips,“ influenced future musicians like Tiny Tim.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Lucas was a key figure in the music industry, recording with Brunswick Records and introducing innovations in guitar design with Gibson Guitars. His collaboration led to the creation of the „Nick Lucas Special,“ a guitar model that influenced the design of the Gibson Les Paul. Despite offers from major studios like Warner Bros., Lucas spent most of his career in radio, nightclubs, and recording for various labels.

Lucas continued to perform and record music throughout his life, becoming a beloved figure in American popular music. He passed away on July 28, 1982, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just weeks before his 85th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking musician and „the crooning Troubadour“ of the jazz world​​​​​​​​.

Tip-Toe Thru‘ the Tulips with Me (1929)

Pianist & Vocalist

Bob Howard

* June 20, 1906, in Newton, USA
✝ December 24, 2000, in New York, USA

Bob Howard, born Howard Joyner, was an American pianist and vocalist known for his work in swing music in the 1930s. He was born on June 20, 1906, in Newton, Massachusetts, though another source suggests June 20, 1897, as his birth date. Howard began his career singing in New York night clubs in the mid-1920s and started recording in 1931 under his real name for Columbia Records.

Under the stage name Bob Howard, he performed at prominent New York venues such as Park Central Hotel, Famous Door, Hickory House, and various theaters. In late 1934, he signed with Decca Records and recorded a series of swing records between 1935 and 1938, collaborating with notable musicians like Benny Carter, Buster Bailey, and Teddy Wilson. Although known for his piano skills, Howard focused solely on singing in his Decca recordings.

Howard also ventured into radio and television. He had his own radio series in New York in the 1930s and made appearances in short films between 1936 and 1947. In 1948, he made history by hosting The Bob Howard Show on CBS, becoming the first African-American to host a regularly broadcast network TV show, although the show was short-lived. He was also a regular performer on CBS-TV’s Sing It Again in 1950-1951.

Later, Howard relocated to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He passed away on December 3, 1986, in the Bronx, New York​.

LOST MY RHYTHM, LOST MY MUSIC, LOST MY MAN (1935)

Guitarist

Tony Mottola

* April 18, 1918, in Kearny, New Jersey, USA
✝ August 9, 2004, in Denville (New Jersey), USA

Tony Mottola, a renowned American jazz guitarist, was born on April 18, 1918, in Kearny, New Jersey. His career spanned several decades, during which he released numerous solo albums and became known for his session work with the producer Enoch Light’s Command label and Project 3 label. Mottola began playing the guitar at the age of nine and continued to hone his skills throughout his life, leaving a significant mark on the music industry.

Mottola’s professional journey was diverse and accomplished. He made his recording debut with George Hall’s orchestra, performing on the track „Shine.“ In 1941, he joined the CBS radio studio orchestra, where he played behind icons like Frank Sinatra and Raymond Scott. He was also Perry Como’s long-time accompanist and created the music score for Yul Brynner’s television series „Danger.“ His solo album „Mr. Big“ was released in 1959, and he later joined Doc Severinsen’s Orchestra on NBC’s „The Tonight Show.“

One of Mottola’s most notable accomplishments was his score for the early CBS suspense anthology series, „Danger.“ The theme he composed was known for its simplicity and effectiveness, featuring a single repeated note interrupted by a dramatic chord. This theme earned Mottola a spot in the record books as the composer of the first original soundtrack album from a television show. His relationship with Enoch Light was particularly significant, leading to over 30 album recordings on the Command and Project 3 labels. Mottola’s style was characterized by its warmth, tenderness, and expressiveness, never hitting a bad note.

In addition to his solo work, Mottola collaborated with numerous artists, contributing to a variety of albums across different genres. His collaborations included working with Ray Charles, Urbie Green, Dick Hyman, and many others. His albums, like „Tony’s Touch“ and „Roman Guitar,“ showcase his versatility and mastery of the guitar.

Despite retiring from touring in 1988, Mottola never lost his passion for music. He continued to play the guitar almost every day, believing that music kept his mind sharp. Sadly, Tony Mottola passed away on August 9, 2004, due to complications from a stroke and double pneumonia. He left behind a legacy of exceptional guitar work and a significant contribution to the music industry​​​​​​.

Coquette (1946)

Jazz Singer

Barbara Lea

* April 10, 1929, in Detroit (MI), USA
✝ December 26, 2011, in Raleigh (NC), USA

Barbara Lea, born Barbara Ann LeCocq on April 10, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, was an American jazz singer celebrated for her clear and expressive alto voice. She passed away on December 26, 2011, in Raleigh, North Carolina, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Though primarily known for her vocal performances, Barbara played the piano and ukulele during her childhood. Her ability to authentically interpret the nuances of the Great American Songbook made her a respected figure in the jazz community.

Two uncommon facts about Barbara Lea:

Musical Heritage: She was a descendant of the French composer Charles Lecocq, indicating a deep-rooted musical lineage.

Name Change: Her father changed the family surname from LeCocq to Leacock when he became the Attorney General of Michigan. Barbara later adopted the stage name „Lea“ for her singing career.

Throughout her career, Barbara Lea performed with notable jazz musicians and graced esteemed venues like the Village Vanguard. Her deep connection to song lyrics and authentic delivery left a lasting impact on the world of jazz.

For more information about Barbara Lea, you can visit the following websites:

• Barbara Lea Official Website
• Barbara Lea Discography and Music Reviews
• Barbara Lea’s Profile on All About Jazz

Band Leader

Lud Gluskin

* December 16, 1898, New York City, USA
✝ October 13, 1989, Palm Springs, California

Ludwig “Lud” Gluskin was born on December 16, 1898, in New York City, the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants. His father worked as a dentist in Manhattan, and the family valued both education and music. Lud attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where he first developed his love for rhythm and performance.

After World War I, Gluskin began playing drums in several New York dance orchestras that performed in hotels and ballrooms. His precise timing and leadership qualities quickly brought him recognition. By the early 1920s, he was performing with notable groups such as the California Ramblers, one of the most recorded jazz and dance bands of the decade.

“Gluskin represented the modern American drummer — reliable, rhythmic, and always elegant,” wrote a 1926 review in a New York music journal.

In 1927, seeking new opportunities, Gluskin sailed to Europe. He settled in Paris, then the heart of continental jazz culture, and founded Lud Gluskin and His Orchestra. His band performed at the Hotel Claridge and Ambassador Club, becoming a favorite of both American expatriates and Parisian high society. He recorded prolifically for Columbia France, Pathé, and Ultraphone, combining American “hot jazz” energy with the sophisticated phrasing of European dance music.

“He was one of the first American musicians to bring authentic jazz orchestration to the European ballroom,” music historian Dan Morgenstern later noted.

By the early 1930s, the political climate in Europe — especially for Jewish artists — was deteriorating. Gluskin left the continent around 1933 and returned to the United States. There, he transitioned from performing to broadcasting and production. In the mid-1930s, he became a music director for CBS Radio, eventually contributing to some of America’s most popular programs, including The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show and The Frank Sinatra Show.

During the 1940s and 1950s, he was regarded as one of the quiet pioneers of network music direction — shaping the sound of early radio and television orchestras.

Lud Gluskin retired to Palm Springs, California, where he lived a long and peaceful life surrounded by family and friends. He died there on October 13, 1989, at the age of 90. The official record does not list a specific cause of death — most likely of natural causes related to age.

His burial is registered under his full name, Ludwig Elias Gluskin, on Find a Grave, though the exact cemetery section is not publicly listed.

“He bridged the era between hot dance and broadcast sophistication — a drummer who became a builder of sound worlds,” wrote jazz archivist Charles Delaunay.

C.O.N.S.T.A.N.T.I.N.I.O.P.L.E – Lud Gluskin et son Jazz

Singer / Songwriter

Frank Luther

* August 4, 1899 – Lakin (Kansas) USA
✝ November 16, 1980 – New York City (NY), USA

Frank Luther (born Francis Luther Crow) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer, who achieved success across several musical fields – from early country and dance-band music to children’s and religious recordings.

Raised in a Methodist family on the Kansas plains, Luther studied theology and was briefly ordained as a Methodist minister before fully devoting himself to music. After singing in local church choirs and touring with The Meistersingers and the De Reszke Singers, he moved to New York City in 1923.

During the 1920s he recorded prolifically for labels such as Victor, Brunswick, and Columbia, and collaborated extensively with Carson Robison, creating hundreds of sides that became foundational to the emerging country / hillbilly genre. Luther’s voice also appeared on numerous dance-band and novelty records, sometimes under pseudonyms to bypass exclusive-label restrictions.

In the 1930s he became one of Decca’s most popular recording artists through his series of children’s albums (Mother Goose Songs, Winnie-the-Pooh Songs, Babar the Elephant). These releases established the modern format of the narrated children’s record. His clear diction, warm tone, and understated humor made him one of America’s best-selling performers of the decade.

By the 1940s, Luther’s voice had matured into a lyrical baritone, and he worked as music director and producer in Decca’s educational division, shaping the label’s moral-and-educational repertoire. He also appeared on screen in High Hat (1937) and was later honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for his contributions to recorded music.

Before his recording fame, Luther earned a degree in theology and even served briefly as a Methodist minister.
This background later influenced his approach to children’s and moral-education records, where he combined gentle storytelling, musical structure, and ethical reflection — decades before such formats became standard in educational media.

Like many professional studio singers of his era, Luther recorded under several names:

• Lazy Larry – comic and novelty songs (often with Carson Robison)

• Bob Nichols – dance-band and light-pop sides for budget labels

• Buddy Blue – popular and humorous recordings (Perfect, Banner)

• Frank A. Luther – formal variant used on sacred and classical releases
  (He was occasionally mis-credited as “Bud Billings” on duet issues.)

Frank Luther died on November 16, 1980, in New York City, aged 81.
According to period obituaries (Billboard, Dec 6 1980), he passed away of natural causes related to cardiac decline after a brief illness.