Freddie Jenkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 10, 1906 New York City, United States |
| Died | 1978 (aged 71–72) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Trumpet |
Freddie Jenkins (October 10, 1906 – 1978)[1] was an American jazz trumpeter.
He was born in New York City, United States.[1] Jenkins played in the Jenkins Orphanage Band when young, and attended Wilberforce University.[1] Following this he played with Edgar Hayes and Horace Henderson (1924–1928),[1] before taking a position in Duke Ellington's Orchestra in 1928.[1] As a member, he soloed in the 1930 film, Check and Double Check, during a performance of the song "Old Man Blues". He remained with the Ellington Orchestra until 1935, when lung problems forced him to quit.[1]
He recovered and formed his own group in 1935, recording one session as a leader;[1] sidemen included Ward Pinkett, Albert Nicholas and Bernard Addison. After this he played with Luis Russell in 1936.[1] In 1937–38 he played with Ellington again,[1] and for a short time thereafter played with Hayes Alvis. After 1938, his lung ailment returned and he retired from performance.[1] In later years he worked in songwriting, disc jockeying, and in music press, and became a deputy sheriff in Fort Worth. Stanley Dance, writing about a concert played by Ellington and Sarah Vaughan, said
There was a good crowd in the huge auditorium that night ... The promoter, we were told, had a problem because of ticket counterfeiting. Deputy Sheriff Freddy Jenkins came in dressed Texas style with a big hat on his head and gun on hip. He looked a picture of health as he made an onstage speech and presentation to his former employer.[2]
