John Kirby

John Kirby was a jazz double-bassist and bandleader who made his mark in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Born on December 31, 1908, Kirby started his musical journey as a trombone and tuba player before switching to the double bass in 1930 when he joined Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.

Kirby's claim to fame came in 1937 when he formed his own sextet, known as the Onyx Club Boys. This group, featuring a unique lineup of trumpet, clarinet, alto sax, piano, bass, and drums, became known for their tightly arranged, cool-toned style that stood out during the big band era. The sextet scored several hit songs, including "Loch Lomond" and the first recording of the jazz standard "Undecided". Kirby's innovative approach to small group jazz earned him recognition as perhaps the first musician in the chamber jazz genre.

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