Bennie Moten was a pivotal figure in the development of Kansas City jazz and a leading force in the American jazz scene during the 1920s and early 1930s. Born on November 13, 1894, in Kansas City, Missouri, Moten was a proficient pianist and bandleader known for his ability to fuse blues and jazz elements, creating a sound that would become instrumental in the development of swing. His innovative approach laid the groundwork for the Kansas City jazz style that would later be furthered by his successors.

Moten's Kansas City Orchestra became one of the most influential jazz bands of its time, with their style characterized by a driving rhythm section and intricate riffing by the horn players. Tragically, Bennie Moten's career was cut short when he died during a tonsillectomy in 1935 at the age of 40. Despite his untimely death, his band's legacy lived on as it evolved into the Count Basie Orchestra, with many of Moten's band members, including the legendary Count Basie himself, continuing to shape the course of jazz history. Moten's discography, as reflected in posthumous collections like "Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered)," offers a window into the vibrant energy and innovative spirit of his music, ensuring that his contributions to the genre remain influential and celebrated.

Genres

Big Band

Dixieland

Hot Jazz

Swing

Vintage Jazz

Latest Release

Moten’s Swing

Bennie Moten

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released June 12, 2024