Jazz History 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Modern Jazz Quartet

Lewis on piano, Jackson on vibraphone, Heath on bass, and Clarke on drums were the original MJQ. Connie Kay replaced Clarke in 1955, and this newer form of the group remained together until 1974, when they disbanded. They reformed, however, only 7 years later, in 1981.

Answer: Chet Baker

Baker's career lasted a remarkably long time. He battled drug addiction throughout his life, and finally succumbed to the other side by falling from the window of his hotel room in 1988.

Answer: Johnny Hodges

Duke Ellington delivered the euolgy at Hodges' funeral in 1970. He said, "Never the world's most highly animated showman or greatest stage personality, but a tone so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes - this was Johnny Hodges. This is Johnny Hodges."

Answer: Bill Evans

"Kind of Blue" is still one of the highest-selling jazz albums ever. It represents a turning point in the attitude of jazz musicians towards improvisation with the introduction of modal playing rather than chordal playing.

Answer: Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton was a pianist and composer, and was undoubtedly one of the most influential and original musicians in the beginnings of jazz music. His claim to being its inventor, however, is somewhat dubious.

Answer: King Oliver

Joe Oliver was nicknamed "King" because he was the King of jazz trumpet. That was until his protege, Louis Armstrong, came on the scene. Louis had got his start playing with King in New Orleans. King moved to Chicago and started his band there. This gave Louis the opportunity to develop his unique ability for improvisation.

When Louis moved to Chicago to play with King's band, he was suddenly the better player and was eventually convinced of this by the band's pianist Lillian Hardin, whom Louis later married.

She convinced him to go solo.

Answer: Jack Teagarden

Jack Teagarden was the trombonist with the Louis Armstrong Allstars, Hot Fives and Hot Sevens.

Answer: His Cabaret Card

The Cabaret Card allowed Monk to play anywhere in New York City where alcohol was served. He lost it as a result of being charged with drug possession.

Answer: Django Reinhardt

Django was the co-leader of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. He and French violinist Stephane Grappelli led the group to international renown. This group was interrupted by World War 2, but afterwards the pair travelled to the United States together.

Answer: Mamie Smith

Mamie Smith and her Jazz Hounds got Coleman his start in the business. From there he played briefly with Wilbur Sweatman, and then started with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in 1924, where he stayed for 10 years.