The Lesser Known Story of The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra

Do you reminisce about your old days while listening to the classic swing music? Or are you a millennial currently interested in exploring big band music? Swing music from the big band era redefined the cultural contours of America in the 1930s and 1940s. Given your interest in jazz and swing, you sure have come across the recordings of the various top bands. Back in the day, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and many others led successful big bands that created phenomenal big band music in the USA. But have you listened to the creations by the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra? The band gave stiff competition to the swing giants and stood out for well-designed ensemble music. Notwithstanding the common swing essence, the orchestra was different from contemporary bands in several ways. Essentially, Jimmie Lunceford imbibed quirky novelties in his band that were quite new and not touched upon by many during the big band era. Read along to learn more about the Orchestra.

Band formation and series of achievements

In 1927, Jimmie Lunceford joined Manassas High School, Memphis, as a music teacher. During his tenure there, Lunceford tried organizing a jazz band, named Chickasaw Syncopators that consisted of his students. Their combined endeavor led the band to bag a recording agreement with RCA in the year 1930. Although they were regular performers in Buffalo and Cleveland, Lunceford and his team gained prominence after playing at the famous Cotton Club in New York. This break was no less than hitting the jackpot for them. After the successful performance, the band recorded plenty of music scores with Decca company. From “Four or Five Times”, “My Blue Heaven”, “Rhythm Is Our Business” to “For Dancers Only” and “Swanee River”, the band gave incessant hits that are still popular on the big band music station in the USA. What made the orchestra stand out was its fearless experimentation with the style and presentation of the music. Lunceford was an impressive band leader because he would create unique sounds thereby setting himself as an example before his band members.

New and interesting elements in the band

At a time, when bands were incorporating the four-beat rhythm in their music, Jimmie’s embracing of a two-beat rhythm, was a gamechanger in the big band music in theUSA. For this, the credit goes to Sy Oliver on the trumpet. Moreover, the absence of any noted soloist did not stop the band from achieving what it deserved. Instead, the members focussed on improving the ensemble work. With Lunceford on the alto saxophone, the band also comprised Jimmy Crawford on drums, Moses Allen on the bass, and Eddie Wilcox, the pianist. Further, the band was one of its kind for featuring high-note trumpeters, an unprecedented feat in the history of big band music till then. Observers believe that watching the band perform was an extraordinary experience. Flashy performance, showmanship, and unusual choreography using the musical instruments as props were the hallmarks of The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra.

The last phase and the sudden collapse of Lunceford

As Sy Oliver teamed up with Tommy Dorsey, the orchestra lost a jewel. Although several other trumpeters joined the band, they lacked the spark of Oliver. On the other hand, internal problems like non-payment of salaries and Lunceford’s lavish lifestyle began crippling the band. However, in 1947, with Lunceford’s sudden demise, the orchestra broke up and never got back again.

Conclusion – Given their atypical musical sense, The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra competed with its contemporary bands to create its own identity. The band would put up extraordinary stage performances that had earned it an indisputable prestige in the entertainment circuit of America. For interesting sounds and rhythm, their songs are still cherished and played at the ballroom music radio station in the USA. Despite its steady declination, the orchestra, led by Jimmie Lunceford, inspired the next generations of musicians.