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Musik » de.alt.music.jazz » spitznamen (in englisch)
| spitznamen (in englisch) [message #216494] |
Wed, 16 March 2005 00:42 |
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hallo,
das kam gerade bei mir rein. und vielleicht interessiert es ja. und
leben braucht diese newsgroup ja auch ein bißchen mehr. und vielleicht
weiß einer von euch noch mehr spitznamen.
tschüß thomas
Thought this might be of interest to some.
Jazz Nicknames
Slang is definitely cool, but other non-musical aspects, like nicknames,
have created a certain allure or attraction to Jazz, too. Nicknames,
especially the stories behind them, are fun, sometimes funny, and other
times fascinating.
The immortal Louis Armstrong had at least three of them. Even before
jazz was officially a musical form, forerunners of it, such as Charles
“Buddy” Bolden, had nicknames. In fact, it seems that the bigger the
artist, the quicker he or she gained a nickname.
This list contains a few of those nicknames; if you know of any others
or can expand upon the reasons for a given nickname, please send them to
us .
Adderley, Julian Edwin --- Cannonball
Actually, Adderley's original nickname was “Cannibal” because of his
eating habits. “Cannonball” is merely a bastardization of “Cannibal” and
is still a good fit.
Ammons, Gene --- Jug
Not sure why the tenor saxophonist was called “Jug.” If you know the
source of this nickname, please let us know. A reader says that Gene was
called “Jug” because he could drink anyone under the table.
Armstrong, Louis --- Dipper Mouth, Satchel Mouth, Satchmo, Gate
King Oliver and other early jazz musicians called Louis “Dipper Mouth”
or “Satchel Mouth”, presumably because of his large mouth. Early in the
thirties, Louis visited England and was given his trademark handle
“Satchmo” when British fans heard the “Satchel Mouth” tag incorrectly.
Billie Holiday called him “Pops.” Gate was also used to designate
Armstrong at some point.
According to Louis' own book “Satchmo, My Life In New Orleans” reprinted
by Ace Books in 1957 (originally published 1955), “Dipper...(that was my
nickname - short for Dippermouth, from the piece called Dippermouth
Blues)”. It would appear that the name was given to him after the tune
which he evidently liked when he was very young. -Bruce Barnett
Baker, Chesney H. --- Chet
Chet was probably just a derivation of the Cool trumpeter's first name.
If his parents didn't bestow this nickname on Chet, he probably did
himself at an early age.
Basie, William --- Count
In his autobiography, “Good Morning Blues,” he writes that he wanted to
become part of the “jazz royalty of the time” - among them Duke
Ellington, King Oliver, Earl Hines and Baron Lee - so he took the name
'Count.' This was in the late 1920s.
Beiderbecke, Leon --- Bix
As an astute reader puts it, “Bix's real name was Leon Bismarck
Beiderbecke. That is well documented in the Bix Beiderbecke “bible” by
Sudhalter et al: “Bix - man and legend”. In that book there is a
discussion of several pages and a photo of his death attest, where his
real name is written.
The name Bismarck came from his father, who somethimes was named Bix,
perhaps that's the reason why Bix was christianed Bix.”
Berry, Leon --- Chu
Chu Berry resembled a character from a musical called “Chu Chin Chow.”
Bertholoff, William Henry Joseph Berthol Bonaparte --- Willie “the Lion”
Smith
Willie Smith was probably used to shorten the extremely long name. “The
Lion” was bestowed because of Willie's forceful manner.
Or, as another reader puts it: he was called “The Lion” because of his
devotion to Israel.
Blakey, Art --- Bu
Art Blakey was sometimes called “Bu,” which was short for his Muslim
name, Abdullah Ibn Buhaina.
Bolden, Charles --- Buddy
”Buddy” Bolden was reputed to be the first Jazz cornetist. If you know
where this nickname came from, let us know.
Breitenfeld, Paul --- Paul Desmond
Desmond reportedly picked his name out of a phone book.
Brown, Clarence --- Gatemouth
Gatemouth was obviously derived from “Gator” mouth. “Alligator” was what
jazz musicians called each other prior to adopting to “cat”. “Hey Gate!”
was a common salutation.
Brown, Clifford --- Brownie .
It is no great mystery why Clifford Brown was called “Brownie.”
Byrd, Henry Roeland --- Professor Longhair, Fess, Roy
Not sure why this colorful New Orleans pre-rock pianist was called
“Professor Longhair.” “Fess” was a shortened form of “Professor
Longhair” and “Roy” probably came from Roeland.
Clayton, Wilbur --- Buck
Clayton's nickname was given to him by his mother in reference to his
African American ancestors according to a reader.
Coltrane, John --- Trane
Coltrane's nickname, “Trane”, was a shortening of his last name.
Davis, Eddie --- Lockjaw
It is rumoured that Eddie was heavily “endowed.” Possibly he caused a
few cases of “Lockjaw” amongst his admirers?
Davis recorded a few titles named after more or less incommodating
diseases in the late 1940's. ”Lockjaw” was later shortened to “Jaws.”
-Dirk Ludigkeit
Dodds, Warren --- Baby
New Orleans drummer Warren Dodds may have been called “Baby” because he
was six years younger than his brother clarinetist Johnny Dodds.
Dorham, McKinley --- Kinny / Kenny
McKinley Dorham was originally nicknamed “Kinny” but this usually got
misheard as Kenny. This is how it started to appear in record labels
when he started recording. If you check lps he's on you can see the
struggle over Kinny vs. Kenny. -Jonathan Fox
Edison, Harry --- Sweets
Trumpeter Edison was reputedly given the nickname “Sweets” by fellow
Basie band member Lester Young. We're not sure why Lester called Harry
“Sweets”, but “The Pres” was notorious for bestowing nicknames.
I've recently read that Lester called Harry “Sweets” because Harry had a
way with words and with music.
Eldridge, Roy --- Little Jazz
Trumpeter Eldridge received this nickname as a result of his diminutive
size.
Ellington, Edward Kennedy --- Duke
The young Edward Ellington was called “Duke” by his friends and family
because of his ducal manner and his natty dressing.
Evans, William --- Lateef, Yusef
Another Bill Evans. Sounds like a great trivia question!
Filipelli, Joseph Edward --- Flip Phillips
I suspect that Flip's nickname derived from his name.
Fitzgerald, Ella --- First Lady of Song
This was her nickname because she truly was the “First Lady of Song.”
Gaillard, Bulee --- Slim
Not sure why this guitarist (a member of the popular “Slim and Slam” duo
of the late thirties and the forties) was called “Slim.” Was he thin?
Let us know.
Gillespie, John Birks --- Dizzy
Gillespie acquired the nickname “Dizzy” early in his career because of
his “off-the-wall” antics both onstage and off. During the bop period,
while others were acting “cool”, Gillespie was still acting ”Dizzy” and
very showman-like.
Gonsalves, Paul --- Mex
Ellington tenor sax player Gonsalves was mistakenly called “Mex” by some
people who believed that this descendant of Cape Verdeans was Mexican.
Goodman, Benny --- King of Swing
Benny was called the “King of Swing” because of his tremendous success
and fan following in much the same way that Elvis was dubbed the “King.”
Green, Freddie --- Father Time
For the rock-solid beat he gave to the Count Basie band.
Green, Ian Ernest Gilmore --- Gil Evans
Gil once did an album named “Svengali.” It had a credit line that said
“Anagram by Gerry Mulligan.” Svengali, of course, is GIl Evans,
rearranged. It's the most original album credit in jazz, with the
possible exception of Phil Woods's credit line that said “embouchure by”
and then gave the name of his dentist.
Hampton, Locksley Wellington --- Slide
This trombone player, tuba player and composer from Indianapolis was
probably called “Slide” because he played trombone at an early age.
Hanna, Roland — Sir Roland Hanna
It's not a nickname; he came by his aristocraic title legitimately.
After leading a benefit tour in Africa for young African students, he
was knighted in 1970 by the late president of Liberia, William Tubman.
Hawkins, Coleman --- Bean, Hawk
The “Hawk” nickname is obviously a shortening of Hawkins. “Hawk” was
also known as “Bean” but we don't know why. Do you? A reader says that
the “Bean” tag was bestowed because of Hawkins intellect.
One of the Classics CD liner notes tells of one time in the late 30s,
when Hawkins was playing in England as a featured player for the Jack
Hilton (Hylton?) orchestra, and had been quoted, I guess in Melody
Maker, claiming that a good player should be able to improvise in any
key. The band members surrepticiously played a tune ONE HALF TONE lower,
moving it from an easy sax key to a very tough one. Hawkins, coming in
for his solo, realized what was going on almost instantly, delivered a
respectable solo, and NEVER MENTIONED IT afterwards.
Here's another take on “Bean.” The story is that some cats looked at hs
eyes and said that they look like some beans after they had soaked in
some water prior to cooking. Beans swell in standing water. Hence, his
eyes look like swollen beans. I've heard this story on more than one
occasion.
And how about this one?
Hawkins was called “Bean” because he came from Boston or “Beantown”, as
it was known. apparently, people in Boston use dto eat a lot of beans
with brown bread.
Lester Young once called Hawkins “The First President.” Although this is
not technically a nickname, it is interesting and worth a mention.
Henderson, Fletcher --- Smack
Someone out there please tell us why this mild mannered bandleader was
called “Smack.” A reader suggests that “Smack” is slang for heroin and
that Henderson's laid back manner earned him the nickname.
Another reader states he smacked his lips when he ate.
Herman, Woodrow Charles --- Woody
Bandleader Herman's nickname was obviously a derivation of his first
name.
Hines, Earl --- Fatha
Earl acquired this nickname because of his kind temperament. Many
musicians felt that they could confide in him and tell him their
problems and personal feelings.
Quite aside from his undoubted value as a mentor, Hines was an old guy
(in his forties in the forties) who wore a toupe. — Steve Danby
Hinton, Milt --- Judge
Because it fits his longevity, professional stature and the personal
respect in which he is universally held.
Hodges, Johnny --- Jeep, Rabbit
Johnny Hodges was known as Jeep and Rabbit. Don't know the source of
either. Another reader observes that Jeep came from the “Popeye” cartoon
strip.
According to Harry Carney, Hodges was called Rabbit because he loved
lettuce and tomato sandwiches. -Dirk Ludigkeit. Another reader suggests
that “Rabbit” resulted from Hodges quick trips up to a room and back at
brothels.
This is somewhat scatological, but I have it on the authority of a guy
who used to house some of the Ellington band members when they came
through Baltimore Way Back When that Johnny Hodges got the nickname
Rabbit because when the boys would visit a house of ill-repute, Hodges
would (to put it as nicely as I can) go upstairs and only minutes later
would come back down.
Jackson, Milt --- Bags
Milt admitted that he got his nickname, Bags, from the temporary furrows
under his eyes incurred by a drinking binge after his release from the
Army.
Johnson, James Louis --- J.J.
J.J. used to sign his compositions with only his first and last initials
(i.e., [J]ames [J]ohnson). This eventually stuck as a nickname. However,
it is no longer a nickname, as he had his name officially changed in
1970.
Jones, Joseph --- Philly Joe
Philadelphia drummer Philly Joe Jones was given this nickname to
distinguish him from Basie drummer Jo Jones.
Kirnon, Conrad --- Connie Kay
At Birdland one night, em cee Pee Wee Marquette had trouble pronouncing
Kirnon and simply introduced Connie Kay.
La Menthe, Ferdinand Joseph --- Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll's father, F. P. La Menthe, left home early in Jelly's youth
and his mother remarried to a man named Morton. Hence, the name Morton.
The “Jelly Roll” portion of the nickname has sexual connotations, and
comes from early in his career when he was a pimp and a hustler as well
as a musician.
Lewis, Meade --- Lux
As a child, Meade “Lux” Lewis was called “The Duke of Luxembourg” from
the comic strip ”Alphonse and Gaston.”
Professor Longhair & other “professors”
”Professor” or “Fess” was generally given to teachers / mentors.
“Longhair” is what jazz musicians used to call classical music, because
of the long hair of Paderewski & other male artists. But it also refers
to someone who knows his stuff - a theorist or a great inventor. — Steve
Danby
Massaro, Salvatore --- Eddie Lang, Blind Willie Dunn
Eddie Lang was probably just an attempt to Americanize. Blind Willie
Dunn was an attempt to Bluesify (to coin a word).
McKay, Eleanor Gough --- Billie Holiday, Lady Day
Eleanor McKay was her legal name after her father left, but Eleanor took
her father's last name and the nickname “Billie.” We are not sure where
the “Billie” handle came from. Her good friend, saxophonist Lester Young
called her “Lady Day” because of his tremendous respect for her and
because he thought her every inch a lady.
Miley, James --- Bubber
We're not sure why the Ellington trumpeter was called Bubber. If you
know, let us.
Mulligan, Gerry --- Jeru
Gerry Mulligan's Jeru came from his name.
Nanton, Joseph --- Tricky Sam
Ellington trombonist Joe Nanton was nicknamed “Tricky Sam” by Otto
Hardwicke. This nickname probably reflects Nanton's prowess as a
trombonist and his ability to apply Bubber Miley's trumpet wa- wa
effects to trombone. (Original entry.)
I can't remember who gave Nanton that nickname, but it was NOT because
of his skill with the plunger mute. Nanton had perfected a technique of
drinking on-stage without anyone noticing. - Dirk Ludigkeit
Navarro, Theodore --- Fats or Fat Girl
Bop trumpeter Navarro received the nickname “Fat Girl” because he was
somewhat overweight and effeminate. “Fats” was derived from “Fat Girl.”
As I understand it, Fats Navarro was called Fat Girl because he had a
high-pitched voice, not because he was effeminate.
Newman, David --- Fathead
No, it wasn't because his head was fat. Sax player Newman was given this
nickname by his music teacher after he fumbled an arpeggio.
Norvo, Red and Bailey, Mildred --- Mr. and Mrs. Swing
Even though “Red” is obviously a nickname, that is not what this entry
is about. The nickname “Mr. and Mrs. Swing” is unique because it refers
to more than one person. It was bestowed on Red and Mildred because
there was no more swinging (in the music sense) couple than they were
during their marriage.
Oliver, Joseph --- King
Oliver was dubbed “King” because he was literally the “King” of early
New Orleans jazz cornet players.
Page, Oran --- Hot Lips
Trumpeter Oran Page was called the “Hot Lips” because of his hot
Armstrong-like trumpet playing.
Parker, Charlie --- Bird, Yardbird
Early in his career, Charlie was dubbed “Yardbird” because of his love
for chicken. The nickname stuck and was eventually shortened to “Bird.”
(Original entry.)
According to one version, he and his band (including employer Jay
McShann) were driving to town when a chicken ran out into the road. Upon
hitting the bird, Charlie got out, picked it up and took it all the way
to their destination to get it cooked up. Hence, the musicians called
him Yardbird, which was later shortened to “Yard” or “Bird”.
Peterson, Oscar --- Josh
Powell, Earl --- Bud
Not sure why the Bop pianist was called “Bud.” Let us know if you know
why.
Prestopnk, Irving --- Irving Fazola
Irving Fazola took the name Fazola from the the notes Fa, So and La of
the tonic scale. Thus, Fa- So-La or Fa-Zo-La.
Pridgett, Gertrude Melissa Nix --- Ma Rainey
In 1902 she married the song and dance man William “Pa” Rainey on stage
she was billed as Ma Rainey. They had a minstrel act called Ma & Pa
Rainey.
Reinhardt, Jean Baptiste --- Django
Not sure why the virtuoso guitarist was called “Django.” If you know,
let us know. A reader points out that “Django” is the Gypsy name for
Jean.
Rogers, Milton M. --- Shorty (real name Milton Rajonsky)
I'm guessing that the trumpeter was called “Shorty” because of his
stature.
Rollins, Theodore Walter --- Sonny, Newk
Not sure why Rollins was called “Sonny.” He got the nickname “Newk”
because of his resemblance to Dodgers' pitcher Don Newcombe.
Rushing, Jimmy --- Mister Five-by-Five
It was Jimmy's body build that caused people to call him “Mister
Five-by-Five.”
Sims, Jack --- Zoot
Sims became known as “Zoot” after he stood behind a music stand with the
word zoot painted on it.
Sinatra, Frank --- Old Blue Eyes
Pop Jazz singer Sinatra was called “Old Blue Eyes” for obvious reasons.
Smith, Buster --- Professor
We're not sure why this alto saxophonist was called “professor”, but we
do know that he was one of Charlie Parker's mentor's. Maybe that's why.
Smith, Jimmy --- Cat
Smith, Leroy Gordon --- Stuff
The Jazz fiddle genius earned the nickname “Stuff” because he was bad
with names and addressed people as “Hey, Stuff!”
Smith, Willie --- The Lion
The story usually attached to “the Lion” handle was that during World
War One, when Smith was in the artillery, he stood by his gun through
shot and shell and thus earned his nickname for his bravery. Whether any
of this is true I cannot verify. -Jonathan Fox
Stewart, Leroy --- Slam
Not sure why this bassist (a member of the popular “Slim and Slam” duo
of the late thirties and the forties) was called “Slam.” If you know,
let us know.
Strayhorn, Billy --- Sweetpea
Billy got this nickname from the famous “Popeye” cartoon strip. Otto
Hardwicke may be responsible for bestowing it.
Or the appellation may have come from the fact that he was pretty openly
gay, which was somewhat rare in those days (and circles).
Teagarden, Jack --- Big Gate
At one point in the history of Jazz, “gate” was synonymous with a Jazz
musician. Thus, “Big Gate” was a good nickname for the trombonist.
Teagarden, Charlie --- Little Gate
Since Jack was “Big Gate,” it was natural that Charlie should be called
“Little Gate.”
Torme, Mel --- The Velvet Fog
Singer Torme was given this nickname because of his velvety singing
voice.
Trumbauer, Frank --- Tram
This clarinet playing straight man sidekick of Bix Beiderbecke was
called “Tram” because of his last name. “Tram” was surprisingly named by
Lester Young as one of his strongest influences in a 1950's interview.
Turner, Joe --- Big Joe
Kansas City blues shouter “Big Joe” Turner received this nickname
because of his large size.
Vinson, Eddie --- Cleanhead or Mr. Cleanhead .
Saxophonist Eddie Vinson was called “Cleanhead” for his bald pate
(Original entry.)
Vinson was the victim of a substance called “conk” used by African
Americans to straighten their hair in those days. The solution tended to
get extremely hot and “Cleanhead” couldn't leave it on his head long
enough to do what it was supposed to do, so he started trying to get it
out and patches of his hair came with it. Since he had to go to work
that evening and had no desire to wear a bandana or handkerchief on his
head, he shaved off what was left. The band members had a ball with the
epithets and the sobriquet “Cleanhead” stuck.
Another version courtesy of Axel Melhardt: While Eddie “Cleanhead”
Vinson worked at my club JAZZLAND in Vienna, Austria in the 70-ies I
found him one morning at the hotel in front of the mirror shaving his
head. He told me that after his big hit “Folks call me Mr.Cleanhead” he
had to upkeep his bald head for the rest of his life in order to get
gigs. Up until his early death he had full hair (with little white
patches) which grew only on his days off stage.
Waller, Thomas --- Fats
There is no mystery to the nickname “Fats” which was given to the rotund
stride pianist Thomas Waller.
Webster, Ben --- Frog, The Brute
Ben Webster was known as Frog, I think because of his somewhat bulging
eyes.
Williams, Charles Melvin --- Cootie
We don't know why Ellington trumpeter Charles Melvin Williams was called
“Cootie”. If you do, let us know.
Young, Lester Willis --- Pres, The President
Lester's nickname “Pres” or “The President” comes from his good friend
Billie Holiday who thought that he was, indeed, the “president” of
saxophone players.
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