Turk Murphy

Biography

Melvin Edward Alton "Turk" Murphy (1915–1987) was a pioneering American trombonist and bandleader, renowned for his dedication to traditional and Dixieland jazz. Born in Palermo, California, Murphy studied music theory before taking up the cornet and trombone, eventually moving to San Francisco in 1939. There, he joined forces with trumpeter Lu Watters to co-found the Yerba Buena Jazz Band, which became a cornerstone of the San Francisco jazz revival and helped define the city's unique approach to ensemble jazz[1][2][3].

After World War II service in the Navy, where he played and recorded with Lu Watters and Bunk Johnson, Murphy formed his own band in 1952, leading the Turk Murphy Jazz Band for over three decades. His group performed at iconic venues such as Earthquake McGoon's, a club he co-founded in 1960 that became a hub for jazz in San Francisco and a gathering place for musicians and fans alike[1][3][5]. Murphy's style, which he termed "Traditional Jazz," emphasized New Orleans roots and energetic ensemble playing, setting it apart from the more soloist-driven Dixieland style. He was a prolific arranger and composer, known for both reviving classic jazz repertoire and creating new works in the genre.

Murphy's legacy is marked by his commitment to preserving and popularizing early jazz, his influence on generations of musicians, and his role in bringing jazz to wider audiences through television appearances, international tours, and collaborations with artists in other media. His final major performance was a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1987, a testament to his enduring impact on American jazz[1][2][3].

Fun Facts

• Turk Murphy coined the phrase "Traditional Jazz" to distinguish his style from Dixieland and emphasize its New Orleans roots[3][4].
• He was the singer for the 1971 Sesame Street cartoon shorts "The Alligator King" and "No. 9 Martian Beauty," produced by his friend Bud Luckey[1][3][4].
• Earthquake McGoon's, Murphy's jazz club, admitted minors to a special balcony so young people could experience live jazz[3].
• The inscription "Little Enough" on Murphy's memorial refers to a song he wrote for the Off-Broadway show "Storyville" in 1984, one of his favorite compositions[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lu Watters - Co-founder and bandleader of the Yerba Buena Jazz Band; Murphy played trombone and learned ensemble jazz from Watters. (Yerba Buena Jazz Band recordings and performances) [1939–1947]

Key Collaborators

• Bunk Johnson - Recorded and performed together during WWII while Murphy was in the Navy. (WWII-era recordings) [1940s]
• Wally Rose - Pianist in Turk Murphy Jazz Band. (Turk Murphy Jazz Band albums and live performances) [1950s–1970s]
• Bob Helm - Clarinetist in Turk Murphy Jazz Band. (Turk Murphy Jazz Band albums and live performances) [1950s–1970s]
• Pete Clute - Pianist and co-founder of Earthquake McGoon's club. (Earthquake McGoon's performances) [1960–1984]
• Bud Luckey - Collaborated on Sesame Street animated shorts; Murphy arranged and performed music. ("The Alligator King," "No. 9 Martian Beauty" (Sesame Street shorts)) [1971]

Artists Influenced

• Robert Schulz - Joined Turk Murphy Jazz Band for an eight-year stint; continued Murphy's musical legacy. (Turk Murphy Jazz Band performances) [1979–1987]
• Leon Oakley - Trumpeter in Murphy's band; influenced by Murphy's approach to traditional jazz. (Turk Murphy Jazz Band performances) [1970s–1980s]
• Pat Yankee - Singer with Murphy's band, inspired by his arrangements and leadership. (Turk Murphy Jazz Band performances) [1970s–1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. By and By (Favorites)
2. When My Sugar Walks Down The Street (Favorites)
3. The Maple Leaf Rag (Atlantic Jazz: New Orleans)
4. This Train (Oz Turk Plus!)
5. Shake That Thing (Turk Murphy's Jazz Band Favorites (Vol. 2))
6. St. James Infirmary - Live At The Newport Jazz Festival, 1957
7. Kansas City Man Blues
8. Kansas City Man Blues (New Orleans Stomp)
9. Moritat vom Mackie Messer from Die Dreigroschenoper (Lotte Lenya: American Theater Songs)
10. Temptation Blues (Oz Turk Plus!)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia