James Melvin Lunceford (June 6, 1902 – July 12, 1947) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and bandleader in the swing era. Lunceford was born on a farm in the Evergreen community, west of the Tombigbee River, near Fulton, Mississippi, United States.The 53-acre (21 ha) farm was owned by his father, James. His mother was Idella ("Ida") Shumpert of Oklahoma City, an organist of "more than average ability". Seven months after James Melvin was born, the family moved to Oklahoma City.
The family next moved to Denver where Lunceford attended high school and studied music under Wilberforce J. Whiteman, father of Paul Whiteman, whose band was soon to acquire a national reputation. As a child in Denver, he learned several instruments. After high school, Lunceford continued his studies at Fisk University. In 1922, he played alto saxophone in a local band led by the violinist George Morrison which included Andy Kirk, another musician destined for fame as a bandleader.
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Links to Peel[]
The Jimmie Lunceford band was one of the best-known black outfits of the swing era. Although less famous than the bands of Duke Ellington and Count Basie, they were popular in their day and admired by musicians, critics and jazz record collectors. Their records were played on BBC jazz shows by the likes of Humphrey Lyttelton and Peter Clayton. Among the musicians who played in the Jimmie Lunceford Band was cornetist Chester Taylor, father of Arthur Lee[1], leader of Peel favourites Love.
Starting in the 1980s, Peel played some tracks from Lunceford on his shows, including 'Stratosphere' for the Peelenium 1934, the band's signature tune 'Rhythm Is Our Business' for the Peelenium 1945 and 'Rock It For Me' for the Pig's Big 78.
Shows Played[]
- 1982
- 27 January 1982: 'Tain't What You Do (It's The Way That Cha Do It) (probably from v/a album - The Music Goes Round And Around - The Golden Years Of Tin Pan Alley: 1930-1939) New World
- 1997
- 03 July 1997: Rhythm Is Our Business
- 03 August 1999: Stratosphere (Peelenium 1934)
- 02 September 1999: Rhythm Is Our Business (Peelenium 1945)
- 2000
- 23 May 2000: Rhythm Is Our Business (Compilation 5xCD - The Golden Age Of Swing) Pulse
- 25 May 2000 (Radio Eins): Rhythm Is Our Business (Compilation 5xCD - The Golden Age Of Swing) Pulse
- 2003
- 16 April 2003: Rock It For Me (Parlophone) (Pig's Big 78)