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30 Facts About Jimmy McPartland

1.

James Dugald "Jimmy" McPartland was an American cornetist.

2.

Jimmy McPartland worked with Eddie Condon, Art Hodes, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, and Tommy Dorsey, often leading his own bands.

3.

Jimmy McPartland's father was a music teacher and baseball player.

4.

Jimmy McPartland credited music with turning him around; he started violin at age five, and took up the cornet at age 15.

5.

Jimmy McPartland's career spanned more than five decades, during which he played an integral role in the evolution of Chicago jazz.

6.

Jimmy McPartland's cornet playing during this period was noted for its melodic inventiveness and laid-back phrasing, qualities that would define his style throughout his career.

7.

In 1924, at age 17, Jimmy McPartland went to New York City to take Bix Beiderbecke's place in the Wolverines band.

8.

Jimmy McPartland then went to New York City, and played with a number of small combos.

9.

Jimmy McPartland co-wrote the song "Makin' Friends" with Jack Teagarden.

10.

In 1930, Jimmy McPartland moved back to Chicago, working with his brother Dick, in a group called the Embassy Four.

11.

Jimmy McPartland was then a bandleader, singer, and master-of-ceremonies at the Three Deuces nightclub.

12.

Jimmy McPartland worked with Russ Columbo and the Harry Reser band.

13.

Jimmy McPartland encouraged Marian to develop her own style and form her own group, which led to the establishment of her long residency at the Hickory House, with a trio including drummer Joe Morello.

14.

Jimmy McPartland's meeting with pianist Marian Turner during World War II marked a turning point in both his personal and professional life.

15.

Jimmy McPartland often performed in the city's storied clubs, drawing inspiration from its rich musical heritage.

16.

Jimmy McPartland later performed in a production of Show Boat.

17.

Jimmy McPartland performed as guest star with many bands and at festivals during the 1970s in the US and out of the country.

18.

Jimmy McPartland frequently performed at local venues, often collaborating with younger musicians and mentoring them.

19.

Jimmy McPartland's efforts helped foster a vibrant jazz community on Long Island, earning him widespread admiration from fans and fellow artists.

20.

Jimmy McPartland died of lung cancer in Port Washington, New York, in 1991, two days before his 84th birthday.

21.

Jimmy McPartland's performances were marked by a rich, warm tone and a strong sense of swing, which allowed him to connect deeply with his audiences.

22.

Jimmy McPartland was instrumental in establishing jazz as a staple in community arts programs on Long Island, working with local schools and cultural organizations to introduce young audiences to the genre.

23.

Jimmy McPartland's cornet playing, deeply rooted in the Chicago style, was celebrated for its warmth, clarity, and emotional resonance, qualities that made him a beloved figure among fans and fellow musicians alike.

24.

The 1973 performance by the Jimmy McPartland Quintet was lauded as a tribute to jazz's rich history, with critics praising Jimmy McPartland's ability to honor tradition while embracing innovation.

25.

Jimmy McPartland's impact extended beyond his performances, as he actively promoted jazz education and served as a mentor to younger musicians.

26.

Jimmy McPartland's contributions ensured that the Chicago jazz tradition remained vibrant and relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.

27.

Marian McPartland often spoke of Jimmy's profound influence on her development as a jazz musician, highlighting his ability to balance technical mastery with emotional depth.

28.

Jimmy McPartland actively participated in the jazz revival movement of the mid-20th century, working to reintroduce classic jazz to new audiences.

29.

Jimmy McPartland's skill as a bandleader and collaborator was a key part of his legacy.

30.

Jimmy McPartland's influence extended far beyond his performances, inspiring countless musicians and helping to cement Chicago jazz as a cornerstone of American music history.