Prepare to step into the captivating world of Joseph Nathan Oliver, better known as King Oliver, a true legend in the realm of jazz. Born in Aben, Louisiana, near Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish, King Oliver’s musical journey would take him from the Deep South to the vibrant heart of Chicago, leaving an indelible mark on the history of jazz.
In his youth, Oliver moved to the bustling city of New Orleans, a place that would become synonymous with jazz. Here, he embarked on his musical voyage, initially picking up the trombone but later switching to the cornet, an instrument that would become an extension of his soul.
As a child, he joined a neighborhood brass band, immersing himself in the rich musical culture of New Orleans. It was during these formative years that King Oliver’s musical roots took hold.
From 1908 to 1917, King Oliver played the cornet in New Orleans brass bands and dance bands. He also ventured into the city’s red-light district, later known as Storyville, where jazz was taking shape and finding its voice.
During the late 1910s, Oliver co-led a band with the renowned trombonist Kid Ory. This ensemble was regarded as one of the finest and most dynamic in New Orleans. It was during this period that Oliver honed his skills and developed a reputation as a formidable player, particularly in the realm of “freak” music. This style involved using mutes to create expressive sounds, making the trumpet “talk” or imitate animals, producing unforgettable “wah-wah” effects and more.
King Oliver was also recognized for his prowess in playing the blues in the “gut bucket” or “low down” style, a genre that resonated deeply with the hearts of listeners.
Legend has it that King Oliver was a stern and quick-tempered man. However, beneath that exterior, he had a sincere passion for nurturing young musicians and passing on his knowledge. It was in this role that he crossed paths with a young and budding Louis Armstrong, beginning a musical relationship that would last a lifetime. Oliver became a father figure to Armstrong, teaching him not only the intricacies of music but also the art of leadership.
Louis Armstrong often spoke with profound admiration for Oliver, acknowledging the pivotal role he played in his life and career.
In 1911, King Oliver married Estelle “Stella” Dominick in New Orleans, and together they welcomed a daughter named Ruby Tuesday Oliver. The family relocated to Chicago in 1918 after the closure of Storyville.
Oliver’s approach to music was distinctive. He favored a faster tempo, setting himself apart from the prevailing “slow drag” style of dance hall bands. This unique style quickly caught the attention of the Chicago music scene.
Upon his arrival in Chicago, King Oliver joined bassist William Manual “Bill” Johnson’s band at the Royal Gardens Café. He also collaborated with Lawrence Duhé at the Dreamland Café and the White Sox Booster Band.
In January 1920, Oliver formed his own band at the Dreamland Café, a group that featured prominent musicians like Johnny Dodds, Honoré Dutrey, and Lil Hardin. Oliver also took over leadership of Duhé’s band, performing at various Chicago clubs. The summer of 1921 saw Oliver and his ensemble embark on a West Coast tour, thrilling audiences in San Francisco and Oakland, California.
Upon their return to Chicago in 1922, King Oliver and his band adopted the name “King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band.” This move would prove instrumental in popularizing jazz beyond the boundaries of New Orleans.
In the summer of 1922, Oliver extended an invitation to Louis Armstrong, beckoning him to Chicago to play the second cornet. The Creole Jazz Band quickly gained recognition and, in April 1923, recorded their first songs for Gennett Records. These recordings, featuring classics like “Weather Bird Rag,” “Snake Rag,” and “Dipper Mouth Blues,” showcased Oliver at his very best and solidified his legendary status in the annals of jazz history.
The hallmark of these sessions was the intricate and mesmerizing duets between King Oliver and Louis Armstrong, captivating listeners with their musical dialogue.
King Oliver continued to perform and adapt to the evolving landscape of music until his passing in 1938, in Savannah, Georgia. He found his final resting place in New York City.
As we reflect on the life and musical contributions of King Oliver, we celebrate a true luminary of jazz. His journey from the bayous of Louisiana to the bustling streets of Chicago left an indelible mark on the genre, shaping the course of jazz for generations to come. King Oliver, the Cornet King of Jazz, will forever be remembered for his innovative spirit and unforgettable music.
Get the first coloring book where we spotlight our musical greats from Ragtime all the way to Rap and all the genres of music we created along the way. Have fun coloring while learning, reminiscing your favorite musicians in volume one of the Music Legendz series.