Grachan Moncur II
Grachan Moncur II (born September 2, 1915 in Miami ; † October 31, 1996 there ) was an American jazz bassist .
Grachan Monchur II grew up in Miami ; later his family moved to Newark , where he began his musician career, initially as an accompanist for popular music artists for local radio stations. He was heard by John Hammond , who then arranged for him to perform with various jazz musicians. In 1937 he helped found the Savoy Sultans , which were later led by his half-brother Al Cooper. He also worked with Teddy Wilson , Bunny Berigan and Bud Freeman in the 1930s and can be heard on records as the companion of Billie Holiday and Mildred Bailey . Around 1945 he played with Ike Quebec and Mary Lou Williams .
Moncur II played with the Savoy Sultans until 1945 when the group broke up and then worked in bands with pianist Ace Harris and tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas. In the 1950s he returned to his hometown of Miami; there he still appeared regularly in the 1960s with the Myrtle Jones Trio.
His son is the trombonist Grachan Moncur III .
Web links
- Biography in the All Music Guide (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Moncur, Grachan II |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American jazz bassist |
| DATE OF BIRTH | September 2, 1915 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Miami |
| DATE OF DEATH | October 31, 1996 |
| Place of death | Miami |