Buddy Bolden

Charles "Buddy" Bolden (September 6, 1877 - November 4, 1930) was a trumpeter and the first New Orleans jazz musician ever to come to prominence.

Life

He was known as King Bolden (see: Jazz royalty), and his band was a top draw in New Orleans from about 1895 to 1907, when he was incapacitated by schizophrenia. He never recorded, but he was known for his open tone and very loud sound. Joe "King" Oliver and Louis Armstrong were directly inspired by his playing.

Related Topics:
Jazz royalty - 1907 - Schizophrenia - Joe "King" Oliver - Louis Armstrong

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While there is substantial first hand oral history about Buddy Bolden, too often various colorful myths have crowded out the facts in later writings. It is often said that he was a barber by trade or that he published a scandal-sheet called the Cricket, but these stories are almost certainly untrue.

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Bolden suffered a breakdown in 1907 and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was admitted to a mental institution where he spent the rest of his life.

Related Topics:
1907 - Schizophrenia

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