Bongo Joe

While some might think about him only like a novelty, Bongo Joe (aka George Coleman) had an extended, illustrious career, specifically for a self-taught street musician who played primarily for free. Given birth to George Coleman in Haines Town, FL, on November 28, 1923, he previously a rough existence right from the start. His father passed away before he was created and his mom passed on when he was seven, departing siblings and neighbours to provide for him. Upon graduation from senior high school, Coleman started a 30-12 months musical profession that discovered him playing 15 years on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston and another 15 in San Antonio, sometimes traveling ranging from. Coleman had used numerous music artists, including Sammy Davis Jr. and Dizzy Gillespie, and performed for Muhammad Ali, Chief executive John F. Kennedy in Fort Well worth (the night time before he was assassinated), and Gerald Ford during his 1976 presidential marketing campaign. He also performed private exclusive celebrations at homes and nation night clubs. While he was a proficient piano participant, Coleman favored percussion since it was better to play on the roads, therefore the moniker Bongo Joe. He rode a motorbike, towing his gear: 55-gallon essential oil drums, mallets manufactured from hammer deals with, and a little public-address system. Irrespective of where he was, Bongo Joe was a disciplined performer playing virtually every night unfailingly. Coleman passed away on Dec 19, 1999, because of diabetes and kidney disease. Only 1 recording by Bongo Joe was documented and released by Arhoolie Information in 1968. It continues to be on the net over 30 years later on.