Jimmy Bertrand

Happy Birthday, Jimmy Bertrand 1900-1960...A jazz and blues percussionist and xylophone player, Bertrand was active on the Chicago scene during the 20's, recording with musicians as diverse as Louis Armstrong, Tampa Red, Ma Rainey, Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Blythe and Blind Blake. He came from a musical family in Mississippi with cousins and uncles going on to their own acclaim. His sister was Mable Bertrand, a Chicago showgirl who was married to Jelly Roll Morton from 1928 until his death.

Bertrand got his start with Erskine Tate's band in 1919 and played with him for the next decade. He started his own band, Jimmie Bertrand's Washboard Wizards with Louis Armstrong and Johnny Dodds as members. He kept his own bands going and worked with a few other band leaders through the 40s.

Perhaps his greatest talent was as a teacher. Starting in the 20's, as an instructor of both drums and keyboard percussion, Bertrand helped to focus the talents of several students who would become major figures in jazz including Lionel Hampton and Big Sid Catlett. In interviews, Hampton commonly referred to Bertrand as "my idol". Bertrand retired from music in 1944.