Eddie Jefferson

Biography

The founder of vocalese (putting recorded solos to words), Eddie Jefferson didn’t have an excellent voice, but he was among the top jazz singers, obtaining the maximum away from what he previously. He began working being a touch dancer, but with the past due ’40s was performing and composing lyrics. A live program from 1949 (released on Spotlite) discovers him pioneering vocalese by performing his lyrics to “Parker’s Disposition” and Lester Young’s single on “I Cover the Waterfront.” Nevertheless, his traditional lyrics to “Moody’s Disposition for Appreciate” were documented first by Ruler Pleasure (1952), who also acquired a big strike with his edition of “Parker’s Disposition.” Jefferson acquired his first studio room recording that season (including Coleman Hawkins’ single on “Body and Spirit”), before dealing with Adam Moody (1953-1957). Although he documented on an intermittent basis in the 1950s and ’60s, his efforts towards the idiom appeared to be mainly overlooked before 1970s. Jefferson caused Moody once again (1968-1973), and during his last couple of years frequently performed with Richie Cole. He was shot to loss of life beyond a Detroit golf club in 1979. Eddie Jefferson, who also published unforgettable lyrics to “Jeannine,” “Woman Be Great,” “JUST WHAT EXACTLY,” “Independence Jazz Dance,” and also “Bitches’ Brew,” documented for Savoy, Prestige, an individual for Checker, Inner Town, and Muse; his last sides made an appearance in 1999 beneath the title Vocal Simplicity.

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