Scott Yanow Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 As far as I know, there are just 14 jazz musicians/singers who recorded before 1940 and are still active. I know that Lena Horne, Kay Starr and Lawrence Lucie are probably retired but since I haven't heard anything official, they are still on this list. Although one could argue that none are still in their playing prime (since the 1930s did end 67 years ago), Franz Jackson and Al Gallodoro are still playing great (Gallodoro is a true marvel), Cachao and Les Paul still sound good and Herb Jeffries, who I believe is 94, still sounds like he's 64. Feel free to come up with additions, but remember, they have to have recorded before 1940 (Jay McShann made his recording debut that year). Svend Asmussen Cachao Al Gallodoro Lena Horne Franz Jackson Herb Jeffries Lawrence Lucie Buddy Morrow Les Paul George Shearing Kay Starr Gerald Wilson Snooky Young Zeke Zarchey There is no one left from the 1920s. Violinist Claude Williams, who died a couple of years ago, was the last one. Quote
ep1str0phy Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 Can't add anything--just like to note that Wilson and Young are still playing with each other (last time I checked). That should count for something... Quote
chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 1st off when did Gerald Wilson record pre-1940- i thought his Excelsoior 78s that i have were his earliest! 2ndly is Lena 'retired'? Quote
Christiern Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 Yes, Lena has retired, although perhaps not officially. Quote
robviti Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 1st off when did Gerald Wilson record pre-1940- i thought his Excelsoior 78s that i have were his earliest! jimmie lunceford, 1939 Quote
Lazaro Vega Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 Johnny Frigo on bass before 1940? Quote
Bright Moments Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 (edited) Jay McShann i know - before 1940 - but MAN the man is a legend! Edited September 20, 2006 by Bright Moments Quote
Brownian Motion Posted September 20, 2006 Report Posted September 20, 2006 How about Jack Butler--is he still around? Quote
Scott Yanow Posted September 21, 2006 Author Report Posted September 21, 2006 Johnny Frigo is not listed on any dates before 1940 in the Brian Rust discographies. I don't know about whether Jack Butler is alive and active. I do hope that you guys can come up with some people to add to this list, but so far it looks doubtful. So let's celebrate these jazz greats while they are still with us. With a few additions from 1940-44 (like Jay McShann) and a few who are inactive (Martha Tilton), this is what is left of the swing era. Quote
Alexander Hawkins Posted September 21, 2006 Report Posted September 21, 2006 I don't know, but surely there are a number 'local'-type guys who appeared on record before 1940? The sort of players you could find in a discography, but then no pertinent biographical information on? Quote
Brad Posted September 21, 2006 Report Posted September 21, 2006 Anybody who recorded before 1940 and is still playing today deserves an enormous amount of respect. Quote
JSngry Posted September 21, 2006 Report Posted September 21, 2006 Even if they were never any good? Hypothetical question... Quote
Morganized Posted September 22, 2006 Report Posted September 22, 2006 Yesterday. Welcome Scott. Glad you are here. Quote
mikeweil Posted September 22, 2006 Report Posted September 22, 2006 Yeah, A heartily welcome! Would be nice to have a list like that for 1940-1949 as well! Quote
tjluke68 Posted September 27, 2006 Report Posted September 27, 2006 What about Franz Jackson? He's on some recordings from the last 5 years, but not sure if he still plays/records... Quote
sheldonm Posted September 27, 2006 Report Posted September 27, 2006 What about Franz Jackson? He's on some recordings from the last 5 years, but not sure if he still plays/records... Look at the list again! Quote
sheldonm Posted September 27, 2006 Report Posted September 27, 2006 Here are a few images I made of Franz a year or so ago!!! m~ Quote
tjluke68 Posted September 28, 2006 Report Posted September 28, 2006 Sorry, didn't realize he was in the initial post. I think I even did a search and didn't come up with it, unless I spelled his name wrong... Quote
bichos Posted September 29, 2006 Report Posted September 29, 2006 buddy schutz, 92 years old. drummer in the Miller band of 1937 that didn't make it....Goodman in '38 and '39 (replacing Dave Tough).... and Jimmy Dorsey through the war. still alive! keep boppin´ marcel Quote
Scott Yanow Posted September 29, 2006 Author Report Posted September 29, 2006 That's great that Buddy Schutz is still around. He was a fine drummer. But is he still playing? Quote
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