Biography
Danny Barker was born on January 13, 1909, in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a family deeply rooted in music. His grandfather, Isidore Barbarin, was a bandleader, and his uncles, Paul and Louis Barbarin, were drummers. Barker's early musical training included the clarinet and drums before he switched to the ukulele and banjo. He began his career with the Boozan Kings, a street band he formed, and later toured with Little Brother Montgomery. In 1930, he moved to New York City, where he transitioned to the guitar and played with notable bands like those of Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, and Cab Calloway. During his time in New York, he frequently collaborated with his wife, singer Blue Lu Barker. In the 1960s, Barker returned to New Orleans and became pivotal in preserving jazz traditions by forming the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band, which helped launch the careers of Wynton and Branford Marsalis. Barker's legacy extends beyond his performances; he was also a writer and composer, penning songs like 'Save the Bones for Henry Jones' and publishing books on jazz history. He passed away on March 13, 1994, at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich musical heritage. Barker's style was characterized by his Creole influences and versatility across genres such as jazz, blues, and zydeco. His contributions to jazz education and community development are still celebrated today. He was honored as a 1991 NEA Jazz Master for his contributions to the genre.
Fun Facts
- Danny Barker was honored as the King of Krewe du Vieux during the 1994 New Orleans Mardi Gras, just before his passing.
- He wrote two books on jazz history published by Oxford University Press.
- Barker enjoyed painting landscapes as a hobby.
- He faced challenges in his career due to racial segregation in the United States.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Emanuel Sayles - banjo teacher (recordings with Sayles) [early career]
- Barney Bigard - clarinet teacher (early clarinet lessons) [early career]
- Paul Barbarin - drum teacher and uncle (early drum lessons) [early career]
Key Collaborators
- Cab Calloway - rhythm guitarist (recordings with Calloway's band) [1939-1946]
- Blue Lu Barker - wife and singer (recordings and performances together) [1930s-1990s]
- Lucky Millinder - band member (performances with Millinder's band) [1937-1938]
- Benny Carter - band member (performances with Carter's band)
Artists Influenced
- Wynton Marsalis - mentored in the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band (early performances with the band) [1960s-1970s]
- Branford Marsalis - mentored in the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band (early performances with the band) [1960s-1970s]
- Nicholas Payton - mentored in the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band (early performances with the band) [1960s-1970s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Al Rose Presents "Journeys into Jazz" | 1998 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Eh La Bas (Al Rose Presents "Journeys into Jazz")
- Save the Bones for Henry Jones (Al Rose Presents "Journeys into Jazz")
- Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor (Atlanta Blues) (Al Rose Presents "Journeys into Jazz")
- It's Right Here for Ya (Blue Lu Barker)
- Everybody Loves My Baby (Al Rose Presents "Journeys into Jazz")
- Big Butter and Egg Man (Blue Lu Barker)
- Gulf Coast Blues (Blue Lu Barker)
- Don't You Feel My Leg (Blue Lu Barker)
- I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate - #2 (Blue Lu Barker)
- Georgia Grind (Blue Lu Barker)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Danny Barker has been played 24 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.