Jaybird Coleman
Burl C. "Jaybird" Coleman (born May 20, 1896 in Gainesville , Alabama , † January 28, 1950 in Tuskegee , Alabama) was an American blues harmonica player, guitarist and singer. Although his harmonica playing was not trend-setting, he is a fine example of the harmonica sound in the country blues of the early 1930s.
Coleman was born into a tenant family and worked and grew up on his parents' farm, who raised three other children alongside him. At the age of twelve he started playing the harmonica. He played at parties for his family and friends. He became known with the blues during his service in the US Army, where he was employed in troop support during the First World War. After his release, he moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he appeared on street corners and sometimes played with the Birmingham Jug Band. He recorded his first record in 1927, but his recording career ended as early as 1930. In the 1930s and 1940s, he street musicians across Alabama.
He died of cancer in 1950. In 1993 Document Records published his works. His works are also featured on many different country blues compilations.
Discographic notes
- Jaybird Coleman & The Birmingham Jug Band 1927–1930 (Document)
On compilations:
- Richer Tradition: Country Blues and String Band Music 1923-1942 (Man Trouble Blues)
- Goodbye, Babylon (I'm Gonna Cross the River of Jordan)
- The Essential Recordings of Blues Harmonica ( Coffee Grinder Blues)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Biography of Stephen Thomas Erlewine at Allmusic
- ^ Discography at Allmusic
- ↑ www.soundunwound discography
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Coleman, Jaybird |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Coleman, Burl C. (maiden name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues harmonica player, guitarist and singer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | May 20, 1896 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Gainesville , Alabama |
| DATE OF DEATH | January 28, 1950 |
| Place of death | Tuskegee , Alabama |