TJ Fowler

TJ Fowler (born September 18, 1910 in Columbus (Georgia) ; † May 22, 1982 in Detroit ) was a pianist, songwriter and band leader in the field of rhythm & blues , jump blues and jazz .

Live and act

Fowler grew up in River Rouge , Missouri . After studying at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, he began performing in his father's pool hall. First professional engagements with Guy Walters and Clarence Dorsey followed. In 1947 he put together his own ensemble and accompanied saxophonist Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams on his recordings for Savoy Records . In 1948 he made recordings under his own name on small labels such as Paradise and Sensation , until he received a recording contract with Savoy Records in 1952. On some records he worked with vocalists Freddie Johnson, Alberta Adams and Floyd "Bubbles" McVay. Fowler's band he also accompanied the singer Varetta Dillard ( Getting Ready for My Daddy , Savoy 1953) and the guitarist Calvin Frazier.

In late 1953 Fowler moved to Chicago , where he recorded for the States label as TJ Fowler and the Band That Rocks the Blues . Upon his return to Detroit, Fowler and his ensemble played as a backing band for T-Bone Walker , with whom they toured southeast Michigan in the following years . In the late 1950s he lived in Ecorse, Wayne County (Michigan) , where he ran the small Bow Records label and played with a jazz organ combo. In 1959 Berry Gordy brought him in as a consultant for the establishment of the new Motown label. Fowler also performed with his jazz band before retiring entirely from the music industry and living as a businessman in Detroit, where he died in May 1982.

Fowler also worked as a songwriter; Titles such as Crossfire, Cut Out, Rocking Goose, Lazy or Space Laser have been covered by Johnny and the Hurricanes .

Discographic notes

Titles recorded by TJ Fowler include Midnight Clipper (Sensation), Red Hot Blues, Coochie / Milk Shake (Bow), TJ Boogie (National), The Queen / Tell Me What's The Matter (States), Back Biter / Wine Cooler ( Savoy), Gold Rush / Camel Walk (Savoy, 1951). Fowler's recordings for Savoy also appeared on TJ Fowler and His Rockin 'Jump Band Featuring Calvin Frazier (Savoy 1187). His recordings as TJ Fowler 1948-1953 are available as compact discs , published by Classics .

Web links

Individual evidence

↑ 1953 consisting of Dezie McCullers (tp), Jeremiah Taylor (as), Walter Cox (ts), TJ Fowler (p), Henry Ivory (b), Clarence Stamps (dr).

personal data
SURNAME	Fowler, TJ
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American R&B and jazz musician
DATE OF BIRTH	September 18, 1910
PLACE OF BIRTH	Columbus (Georgia)
DATE OF DEATH	May 22, 1982
Place of death	Detroit

[1] 1953 consisting of Dezie McCullers (tp), Jeremiah Taylor (as), Walter Cox (ts), TJ Fowler (p), Henry Ivory (b), Clarence Stamps (dr).