Eddie Durham

Eduard "Eddie" Durham (19 August 1906 – 6 March 1987) was an American jazz guitarist, trombonist, composer and musical arranger of the swing era born in San Marcos, Texas. He is probably best remembered for his work with musicians such as Cab Calloway, Willie Bryant, Andy Kirk, Glenn Miller, Jimmie Lunceford and Count Basie, among others.

He was the co-composer (with Edgar Battle) of the tune "Topsy", first recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra. He is sometimes credited as the arranger for Glenn Miller's "In the Mood", although this is disputed. He is also credited for recording the world's first jazz electric guitar solo with a Gibson ES-150 guitar in 1938 on Lester Young's Kansas City Six sessions. Other electric guitars had been recorded that year by other players, including George Barnes with Big Bill Broonzy.

Discography

With Count Basie

• The Original American Decca Recordings (GRP, 1037-39 [1992])

See also

• International Sweethearts of Rhythm
• List of jazz arrangers

External links

• Eddie Durham Web site
• Joe Wilder, Dan Morgenstern headline Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration