The jazz music has its date of origin rooted in the late nineteenth century. Considering the meager prevalence of print or any other form of media in that age, it is an elusive task to find out about the originator of the music style. However, the name of one person has come up through extensive researches, oral and musical history. He was Buddy Bolden. Music enthusiasts believe bolden to be one of the avant-gardes in jazz music. Are you new to the jazz genre of music? Wondering where to explore the greatest jazz tracks? The jazz music radio station in the USA plays oldest and greatest jazz hits, so enjoy listening to the classic swing and jazz tracks of all time. Speaking of Bolden, very scanty is known about his life. Some information is based on facts while others are just a part of the fiction. Nevertheless, an attempt is being made in this write-up, to acquaint the jazz lovers, both old and new, both present and prospective, with the artistry of the musical genius.
Early life and career- The future-jazz legend was born in New Orleans, the birth cradle of jazz and swing. It is known today that Bolden lost his father and was raised by his mother alone. Being a regular visitor to the Baptist Church in his locality, Buddy Bolden developed a fascination with spirited music. He was hooked to the brass bands playing at social functions, parades, and funerals. With large orchestras and string groups forming the part and parcel of New Orlean’s social-cultural life, Bolden could barely stay unaffected by the musical waves that would eventually give birth to the jazz music later on. Although the information is sketchy, it is still believed that Charley Galloway, a guitarist and a barber was a mentor to Bolden. However, in years to come, the mentor would play as a sideman in Bolden’s band.
The early band of Bolden- Bolden’s early band came into formation in 1895. His ragged and bluesy renditions of folk tunes, hymns, dance songs, and marches made Bolden a favorite among the crowd audiences. Despite his humble beginning as a bandleader, the popularity of the future legend soon spread like wildfire earning him a lucrative means of livelihood through music. New Orleans took pride in noted jazz musicians of that time. Today you can listen to the creations of jazz-stars 24*7 only on jazz music radio station in the USA. Although Willie Cornish, the trombonist testified his participation in cylinder recording of 1897-98 with the band, no evidence could be obtained for the same.
Reaching the pinnacle of fame- It was during the early 1900s that Bolden and his band reached the helm of fame. They performed at dance halls, park concerts, parties, and saloons. He was hailed as King Bolden in the music parlance. Buddy Bolden was known for his innate ability to improvise rags and present them before the audiences. In fact, Jelly Roll Morton, a contemporary of Bolden had called him the mightiest trumpet-player in the world. Taking a cue from the improvisations used in the parade music, Bolden experimented with melodies by infusing bending notes and other dynamics in the jazz music. “The Bucket’s Got A Hole In It,” “Tiger Rag,” and “Make Me A Pallet On The Floor” are remembered to this day as some of Buddy Bolden’s greatest performances.
A tragic end- The influential cornetist had fallen prey to alcoholism that compromised his playing ability. At a young age, Bolden suffered acute mental problems, which led his band in a shambles. It is believed that Buddy Bolden breathed his last in 1931, aged 54.
Conclusion- Buddy Bolden has been hailed as one of the creators of the jazz genre. However, it is tragic that only a few facts and proofs have been unearthed to verify the truths of his life. The views of his contemporaries have, nonetheless, shone some light on the life of the legend. Through this write-up, we strived to spread the legacy of the musician to the younger audiences. Should you want to know and listen to more of jazz and swing, tune into jazz music radio station in the USA.