Jazz Birthdays

Jimmy Cheatham b. June 18, 1924, d. January 12, 2007

A trombonist and arranger best remembered for stints in support of Chico Hamilton and Duke Ellington, Jimmy Cheatham was also a jazz educator and bandleader, with wife Jeannie helming the Sweet Baby Blues Band for close to half a century.

Jazz Birthdays

Clarence Eugene “Gene” Shaw b. Detroit, MI 6/16/1926, d. Los Angeles, CA 8/17/1973 – trumpet

One of the true “Forgotten Heroes of Hard Bop”, Shaw played with Lucky Millender, Lester Young and Wardell Gray before joining the Charles Mingus group in 1957. Had star making performances on Mingus classics, Tijuana Moods and East Coasting. Recorded as leader, for Argo in 1960’s. His session Breakthrough, recorded in Chicago 1962, is one of the hidden gems from the hard bop era. The title is well worth seeking. – Breakthrough (1962) Argo

Eli “Lucky” Thompson – b. Columbia, S.C.6/16/1924. d. Seattle, WA 7/30/2005 –tenor, soprano sax

Raised in Detroit,Thompson was outspoken critic of  dishonesty and under handed music business practices.. Played with own band at Savoy Ballroom, went to Europe in 1950’s because  of his dislike of music business practices and joined Stan Kenton for French tour in 1956. Returned to States in 1962. – Lucky Strikes (1964) Prestige