Its Swing History time again with our clarinettist Duncan Hemstock... John Hammond was a producer, activist and, by many accounts, somewhat of a philanthropist to struggling musicians. He was born into an exceptionally wealthy family who had planned a life for him as a lawyer and business man however he shunned that future in favour of Jazz promotion and record producing. Famously, his big breakthrough artist was Benny Goodman but soon he had discovered Billie Holiday and was responsible for bringing Benny and Billie together with Teddy Wilson for the her first wonderful album. He was also instrumental in bringing Count Basie and his Orchestra to the attention of the whole of the USA as well as discovering Charlie Christian. youtu.be/YZCqVreKCtk
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 11:17:17 +0000