King Oliver

The American jazz cornet player King Oliver was born Joseph Oliver in Lousiana in 1881 and initially started out as a trombone player before switching to his trademark cornet. He made his name as a player performing in New Orleans' red light district and formed a playing relationship with the trombonist player Edward 'Kid' Ory. The two men were considered to be amongst the very best of what was a considerable talent pool in New Orleans at the time and when Oliver moved north to Chicago to form a band his reputation meant he could attract outstanding musicians to join him in his venture. These included artists such as Louis Armstrong, bassist Bill Johnson and drummer Paul Barbarin. For a number of years Oliver had one of the most-sought after ensembles in Chicago and he became known for his distinctive use of the mute. However, he unfortunately developed a serious gum disorder which eventually prevented him from playing and he retired from music in 1937. He struggled to manage his business affairs and a year later at the age of 56 he died in poverty from arteriosclerosis.

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