1940s in jazz

1940s in jazz

In the early 1940s, jazz changed with the rise of bebop. This style was led by musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. Bebop was different from the swing music people danced to. It was meant to be listened to, with faster tempos and complex harmonies. This new style made jazz more of an art form for musicians and careful listeners.

Bebop musicians created many famous songs, like Gillespie's "Salt Peanuts" and Parker's "Yardbird Suite." At the same time, jump blues became popular, using small groups and upbeat music. The swing era, led by bands like those of Duke Ellington, slowly came to an end as smaller groups became more common.

By the late 1940s, Dixieland music made a comeback, remembering the early New Orleans style. This was followed by cool jazz, which was calmer and smoother than bebop. Cool jazz began in New York City and included artists like Miles Davis. This style would influence many kinds of jazz music for years to come.

1940

Main article: 1940 in jazz

Album releases

• Duke Ellington: In A Mellotone
• Duke Ellington: Sophisticated Lady

Births

• Dave Burrell (September 10, 1940), pianist
• Eddie Henderson (October 26, 1940), trumpet and flugelhorn player
• Pharoah Sanders (October 13, 1940), saxophonist

Deaths

• Johnny Dodds (August 8, 1940)

1941

Main article: 1941 in jazz

Births

Some important jazz musicians were born in 1941. These include Bobby Hutcherson, who played the vibraphone and marimba, Palle Mikkelborg, a trumpeter, and Airto Moreira, a drummer and percussionist.

1942

Main article: 1942 in jazz

Births

• John McLaughlin (January 4, 1942-), guitarist
• Jack DeJohnette (August 9, 1942), drummer
• Marlena Shaw (September 22, 1942), singer

Deaths

• Charlie Christian (July 29, 1916 – March 2, 1942), guitarist
• Bunny Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942)

1943

Main article: 1943 in jazz

In 1943, jazz kept growing and changing. A music group leader asked everyone to stop recording music for the whole year.

This year had special music, like a show by Duke Ellington.

Some great musicians were born this year, like Larry Coryell, Kenny Barron, and Michał Urbaniak. Sadly, Fats Waller, a famous jazz player, passed away.

1944

Main article: 1944 in jazz

Album releases

• Coleman Hawkins - Rainbow Mist (1944)

Births

• Don Sickler (January 6, 1944 -), trumpeter
• Ron Mathewson (February 19, 1944), double bassist
• Eddie Gómez (October 4, 1944), double bassist

Deaths

• Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904 – missing December 15, 1944), musician and composer
• Jimmie Noone (April 23, 1895 – April 19, 1944)

1945

Main article: 1945 in jazz

Album releases

• Mary Lou Williams: Zodiac Suite (1945)
• John Serry Sr.: Leone Jump Single on Sonora Records

Births

• Keith Jarrett (May 8, 1945 -), pianist
• Henri Texier (January 27, 1945), double bassist

Deaths

• Pha Terrell (May 25, 1910 - October 14, 1945)

1946

Main article: 1946 in jazz

Births

• Digby Fairweather (April 25, 1946)
• Bennie Wallace (November 18, 1946)

1947

Main article: 1947 in jazz

Album releases

Some important jazz albums came out in 1947. These included The Duel by Dexter Gordon and Teddy Edwards, and Accordion Capers by John Serry Sr. and Joe Biviano, featuring the Biviano Accordion & Rhythm Sextette.

1948

Main article: 1948 in jazz

Album releases

• Coleman Hawkins: Picasso

Births

• Larry Carlton (March 1, 1948 -), guitarist
• Richie Cole (February 29, 1948), alto saxophonist
• Jessica Williams (March 17, 1948), pianist and composer

1949

Main article: 1949 in jazz

Album releases

• Lennie Tristano: Crosscurrents (1949)
• Duke Ellington: Liberian Suite (1949)
• Lee Konitz: Subconscious-Lee (1949)
• Bob Wilber: Jazz Band (1949)

Deaths

• Albert Ammons died in 1949.