[Dixielandjazz] Guitarist and "vout" expert Bulee "Slim " Gaillard early life in Pensacola, FL

[Steve Voce]

I spent some time with Slim, including a day sunbathing on the beach at Nice. During an interview that day he told me that he was the first black Flying Fortress pilot and that he flew raids over Germany, amongst other interesting things! But he was a very nice, gentle fellow.
Steve Voce

Sent from my iPad

> On 13 Aug 2015, at 02:00, Norman Vickers <NVickers1 at cox.net> wrote:
> 
> To:  Musicians and Jazzfans list;  DJML
> 
> From:  Norman Vickers, Jazz Society of Pensacola
> 
> 
> 
> Few people know that guitarist, pianist, and "vout" expert Bulee"Slim"
> Gaillard grew up in Pensacola.  He left Pensacola sometime before WWII and
> was a duo with  bassist "Slam" Stewart. Called, naturally,  "Slim and Slam."
> 
> 
> 
> Gaillard perpetuated the myth that he was born in Cuba and that his father
> was a ship captain.  He was left on the Island of Crete and finally made his
> way to Detroit.  This myth was repeated by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler in
> the Encyclopedia of Jazz.  Also Stan Britt's entry in the Grove Encyclopedia
> of Jazz C 2002 repeats this myth.  There are a number of You Tube entries
> and one made in UK, apparently when he was in 60s ( from his appearance) he
> perpetuated this myth- video was approximately one hour.  A couple of his
> most famous tunes are  Flat Foot Floogie and Cement Mixer-Putti Putti.
> 
> 
> 
> Britt's article quotes our listmate  Steve Voce in JJI xxxv/10 (1982).  
> 
> 
> 
> I have found newspaper listings of his divorce in California and a brief
> note about his having started a restaurant in LA and that it had closed and
> creditors were seeking his whereabouts.
> 
> 
> 
> I met him briefly once in 1990 when a relative brought him to a Pensacola
> Jazz Party.  I escorted him to a seat and then had to pursue some other
> duties.  It was not the time or place for an extended conversation  He was
> well dressed but suit seemed to large for him as though he'd lost weight.
> Said that he was going to London to stay with his son who lived there.  Then
> a few months later his death was announced.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I'm seeking anecdotes and data from those who might have come in contact
> with him.  I'd appreciate your comments.  Let me know whether can pass these
> along to the list or whether information should be treated as confidential.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> Norman
> 
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