[Dixielandjazz] Jazz or Pop Players?

[Steve Barbone]

Some fine discussion on this thread. It seems to be reinforcing the idea
that many of the greatest "jazz musicians" followed the money trail to make
a living.

>From Louis to Pee Wee Erwin to Davern to Hirt to Parker to McCoy to Spike to
Miles et al. 

Some fans like to think that "working" jazz musicians play jazz only because
they love the genre, and not also in order to make money. Yet every one I've
ever met and/or gigged with, (lots) was making sure his/her basic needs of
food, clothing, shelter and a few toys were being met though pay for
performing music, not just jazz. That's not selling out, that's survival.

Some worked dance gigs with Lanin or Davis Society Bands, or in those
wonderful gigs for Presidential Inaugurations, etc. Some worked private
party gigs with pop music, sponsored by rich admirers like the Baroness
Panonica, who kept many a jazz man from starving or worse. Some played with
big dance bands like Guy Lombardo's or Lawrence Welk. Some became studio
musicians. Some moved to Europe where they could make a living in jazz. But
just about all who didn't quite make the very top rung where "jazz" earns
enough to support a family, worked lots of gigs other than jazz during their
careers, simply because they aspired to a secure life and a few material
possessions.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone