[Dixielandjazz] Jimmy Rushing

[Norman Vickers]

To:  Musicians and Jazzfans list; DJML

From:  Norman Vickers

 

Here's a link to  vocalist Jimmy Rushing, couple of pages with photo.   It
covers the dispute about his birthdate.  US had given birthdate erroneously
when the memorial stamp had been issued.

 

He commented about coming up in the days without microphone vocal
amplification and need for  a "loud voice."

Rushing comments about much of the music being blues based and what kind of
reaction he could expect when he sang familiar blues songs. 

 

My observations at the Dick Gibson jazz parties were similar.  Vocalist Joe
Williams was a frequent performer.  Usually Gibson would give him two sets
over the course of the Labor Day weekend.  One set would be lovely ballads.
Joe had great musical command and a mellow voice.  During that set, little
old ladies would sit quietly, sometimes knitting in time to the music,
during the set.  However, on the blues set - Williams did a typical
performance and didn't have opportunity to do his nuanced vocal shadings-but
the little old ladies would stand up and shout with enthusiasm during this
set. Sometimes they'd even sing along.

 

Here's the link:
http://newsok.com/remembering-jimmy-rushing-the-five-by-five-man-with-the-en
ormous-voice/article/3644561

 

 
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