Musician. Born in Indianola, Mississippi, he was a blues singer harmonica player known as "Jazz Gillum". In 1923, he went to Chicago, where he worked as a studio musician and played with Big Bill Broonzy. During the 1930s to 1940, he recorded more then 65 sides for Bluebird label to include "I'm That Man Down in the Mine", "Swingtime", "Me and My Buddy" and "I Want You By My Side". After serving in the US Army during World War II, he went right back to playing and recording for Bluebird. During the 1950s, he performed on the Chicago music scene on occasions with artist Muddy Waters and Memphis Slim before retiring from public appearances in 1963. On March 29, 1966, during an argument he was shot in the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago.
Musician. Born in Indianola, Mississippi, he was a blues singer harmonica player known as "Jazz Gillum". In 1923, he went to Chicago, where he worked as a studio musician and played with Big Bill Broonzy. During the 1930s to 1940, he recorded more then 65 sides for Bluebird label to include "I'm That Man Down in the Mine", "Swingtime", "Me and My Buddy" and "I Want You By My Side". After serving in the US Army during World War II, he went right back to playing and recording for Bluebird. During the 1950s, he performed on the Chicago music scene on occasions with artist Muddy Waters and Memphis Slim before retiring from public appearances in 1963. On March 29, 1966, during an argument he was shot in the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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