Biography
Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy was a pioneering swing and big band ensemble led by Andrew Dewey Kirk, an American jazz bandleader and saxophonist born on May 28, 1898, in Newport, Kentucky. Raised in Denver, Colorado, Kirk received early musical instruction from Wilberforce Whiteman, the father of famed bandleader Paul Whiteman. Kirk began his professional career as a bass saxophonist and tuba player with George Morrison's band before joining Terrence Holder's Dark Clouds of Joy in Dallas in 1925. When Holder departed in 1929, Kirk was elected leader, relocated the group to Kansas City, and renamed it the Twelve Clouds of Joy.
Under Kirk's leadership, the band became a central force in the Kansas City jazz scene, performing at venues like the Pla-Mor Ballroom and Paseo Hall. The Twelve Clouds of Joy gained national recognition after their first recordings for Brunswick Records in 1929–1930, with pianist and arranger Mary Lou Williams joining the band and quickly becoming its creative heart. The group epitomized the Kansas City swing style, known for its rhythmic drive and blues-infused arrangements. The band recorded prolifically for Decca Records from 1936 to 1946, producing hits such as "Until The Real Thing Comes Along" and launching the careers of several jazz luminaries.
Kirk was known for his leadership and ability to showcase the talents of his musicians rather than for solo performances. The band disbanded in 1948, after which Kirk pursued careers in real estate and as a musicians' union official. His legacy endures through the musicians he mentored and the innovative sound he helped popularize, making the Twelve Clouds of Joy a cornerstone of the swing era.
Fun Facts
- Andy Kirk did not solo or write arrangements for the band; his strength was in leadership and recognizing talent, especially in giving Mary Lou Williams creative control.
- The band's first major hit, "Until The Real Thing Comes Along," featured the vocals of Pha Terrell and became a swing era standard.
- Mary Lou Williams joined the band by chance when the original pianist was unavailable for a recording session, impressing the label and securing her place.
- After disbanding the Twelve Clouds of Joy, Kirk had a successful second career in real estate and as a hotel manager in New York City.
Members
- Johnny Burris
- William Dirvin
- Allen Durham
- Lawrence Freeman
- John Harrington
- Harry Lawson
- Edward McNeil
- Gene Prince
- Milton Robinson
- Ben Smith
- Claude Williams
- John Williams
- Mary Lou Williams
- Andy Kirk - eponymous, original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Wilberforce Whiteman - Early music tutor in Denver; father of Paul Whiteman (General musical instruction) [1910s]
Key Collaborators
- Mary Lou Williams - Pianist, chief arranger, and composer for the band ("Froggy Bottom", numerous arrangements and recordings) [1929–1942]
- Pha Terrell - Vocalist, featured on several hits ("Until The Real Thing Comes Along") [1936]
- John Williams - Alto saxophonist, Mary Lou Williams' husband (Band recordings and performances) [Late 1920s–1930s]
- Claude Williams - Violinist and guitarist in the band (Band recordings and performances) [1930s]
- Edgar "Puddinghead" Battle - Trumpeter in the band (Band recordings and performances) [1930s]
- Ben Thigpen - Drummer (Band recordings and performances) [1930s]
- Howard McGhee - Trumpeter (Band recordings and performances) [1940s]
- Dick Wilson - Tenor saxophonist (Band recordings and performances) [1930s–1940s]
- Floyd Smith - Electric guitarist (Band recordings and performances) [1930s–1940s]
- Shorty Baker - Trumpeter (Band recordings and performances) [1930s–1940s]
- Jimmy Forrest - Tenor saxophonist (Band recordings and performances) [1940s]
- Don Byas - Tenor saxophonist (Band recordings and performances) [1940s]
- Fats Navarro - Trumpeter (briefly) (Band recordings and performances) [1940s]
- Charlie Parker - Alto saxophonist (briefly) (Band performances) [1940s]
Artists Influenced
- Mary Lou Williams - Kirk's leadership provided her a platform to develop as a major jazz composer and arranger (Her later solo works and influence on bebop) [1930s–1940s]
- Kansas City jazz musicians - The band's style and success helped define the Kansas City sound, influencing contemporaries and future generations (General influence on regional jazz scene) [1930s–1940s]
- Count Basie - Kirk's band was a peer and influence in the Kansas City jazz scene, helping set the stage for Basie's rise (Basie's early band style) [1930s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clouds of Rhythm | 2025-05-16 | Album |
| Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy: 1939-1940 (Live) | 2018-11-30 | Album |
| Andy Kirk: 1936-1937 (Live) | 2018-11-23 | Album |
| Loose Ankles | 2015-10-25 | Album |
| Shades of Jazz (Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds of Joy, Vol. 2) | 2013-11-22 | Album |
| Shades of Jazz (Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds of Joy) | 2013-11-22 | Album |
| Git (The Essence Of Swing) | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Kansas City Legends 1929-1942 (Jazz Archives No. 5) | 2006-12-21 | Album |
| Walkin' And Swingin' | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Roll 'Em | 2000-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Mess-a-Stomp (The Mary Lou Williams Collection 1927-59)
- Walkin' And Swingin' (1930-1941)
- All the Jive Is Gone (The Ultimate 30's & 40's Reefer Songs)
- Cloudy (Clouds of Rhythm)
- Corky Stomp (Clouds of Rhythm)
- Dallas Blues (Clouds of Rhythm)
- Bearcat Shuffle (1930-1941)
- Little Joe From Chicago (1930-1941)
- Blue Clarinet Stomp (Clouds of Rhythm)
- Once or Twice (Clouds of Rhythm)
External Links
Tags: #big-band, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2025 | 09:50 | CLOUDYfrom ANDY KIRK 1929-31 | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |