Slam Stewart

Happy Birthday, Leroy Eliot "Slam" Stewart...September 21, 1914-December 10, 1987...Slam Stewart was an excellent swing bassist with a unique sound which he created by humming along an octave higher than his bowing. He started playing violin but switched permanently to the bass at age 20 while attending the Boston Conservatory. It was there that he got his idea of humming along with his instrument after hearing Ray Perry singing along with his violin.

In 1937, Stewart teamed up with singer, guitar player, comedian "Slam" Gaillard to form the novelty act "Slim and "Slam". "Flat Foot Floogie" was their first big hit in 1938 and it cemented their popularity until the act broke up in the early 40's. Stewart worked regularly throughout the 40's doing session work with Art Tatum, Lester Young, Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, Red Norvo (which featured a famous session with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker) and the Benny Goodman Sextet, among others. He also headed his own group which at one point included Erroll Garner on piano.

Later in his career he worked with other groups headed by Billy Taylor and Roy Eldridge. He also recorded a couple of albums with another "Humming" bassist, Major Holley. His unique and solid bass style kept him working regularly when he wasn't busy teaching at the University of New York in Binghamton, New York or at Yale University.  He died in Binghamton at the age of 73.