Artist:The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra
Song:Rose Room
Album:Stomp It Off:The Original Decca Recordings
Along with Duke Ellington & Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford was one of the top bandleaders of the 30s & 40s but is somewhat forgotten because he died prematurely and his music is entertaining but less memorable than those other bands. He was born June 6, 1902 in Fulton, MS and grew up in Denver. He earned a Bachelor Of Arts at Fisk University. Lunceford was teaching high school in Memphis when he formed a band called Chickasaw Syncopators in 1927. They started touring as the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. They did record in 1930 but their big break was an appearance at The Cotton Club in 1933 which earned them a contract with Decca Records. Lunceford's music had more humour and vaudeville elements and featured excellent arrangements by Sy Oliver (born Melvin Oliver Dec. 17, 1910 in Battle Creek, MI). Willie Smith (born Nov. 25, 1910 in Chrleston, SC) was his lead alto sax player. Other main members included singer Dan Grissom, trumpeter Tommy Stevenson & trombonist Trummy Young. This comp covers Lunceford's Decca recordings of the 30s. Things went sour for Lunceford when Oliver left to join the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1939. Though Lunceford maintained some of his following in the 40s, the music wasn't as good in quality. Jimmie Lunceford died on July 12, 1947 at age 45 when he collapsed during an autograph session in Seaside, OR. There were were rumours that he was poisoned by a racist restaurant owner but officially he died of a heart attack. Here's a 1936 Warner Bros./Vitaphone short film featuring The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra performing Rhythm Is My Business.
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