Edgar Hayes
Encyclopedia
Edgar Hayes was an American jazz
pianist and bandleader
.
Hayes attended Wilberforce University
, where he graduated with a degree in music in the early 1920s. In 1922 he toured with Fess Williams
, and formed his own group, the Blue Grass Buddies, in Ohio
in 1924. In 1925 he played with Lois Deppe, and later in the decade led the groups Eight Black Pirates and the Symphonic Harmonists.
From 1931 to 1936 Hayes played in and arranged for the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
. From 1937 to 1941 Hayes again led his own orchestra; Kenny Clarke
was among his sidemen. His most popular recording was a version of the song "Stardust
", recorded in 1938. He moved to California
in 1942, and led a quartet there for most of the decade. Following this he played solo, continuing to perform live into the 1970s.
Hayes recorded under his own name in 1937-38, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1960.
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
pianist and bandleader
Bandleader
A bandleader is the leader of a band of musicians. The term is most commonly, though not exclusively, used with a group that plays popular music as a small combo or a big band, such as one which plays jazz, blues, rhythm and blues or rock and roll music....
.
Hayes attended Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University is a private, coed, liberal arts historically black university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, it was the first college to be owned and operated by African Americans...
, where he graduated with a degree in music in the early 1920s. In 1922 he toured with Fess Williams
Fess Williams
Stanley Williams was an American jazz musician.-Early life:...
, and formed his own group, the Blue Grass Buddies, in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
in 1924. In 1925 he played with Lois Deppe, and later in the decade led the groups Eight Black Pirates and the Symphonic Harmonists.
From 1931 to 1936 Hayes played in and arranged for the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Mills Blue Rhythm Band
The Mills Blue Rhythm Band was an American big band of the 1930s.The band was formed in Harlem in 1930, with reedman Bingie Madison the first of its many leaders. It started life as the Coconut Grove Orchestra, changing to Mills Blue Rhythm Band when Irving Mills became its manager in 1931...
. From 1937 to 1941 Hayes again led his own orchestra; Kenny Clarke
Kenny Clarke
Kenny Clarke , born Kenneth Spearman Clarke, nicknamed "Klook" and later known as Liaqat Ali Salaam, was a jazz drummer and an early innovator of the bebop style of drumming...
was among his sidemen. His most popular recording was a version of the song "Stardust
Stardust (song)
"Stardust" is an American popular song composed in 1927 by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics added in 1929 by Mitchell Parish. Originally titled "Star Dust", Carmichael first recorded the song at the Gennett Records studio in Richmond, Indiana...
", recorded in 1938. He moved to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 1942, and led a quartet there for most of the decade. Following this he played solo, continuing to perform live into the 1970s.
Hayes recorded under his own name in 1937-38, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1960.