- Walter Barnes
Walter Barnes (July 8, 1905,
Vicksburg, Mississippi - April 23, 1940,Natchez, Mississippi ) was an Americanjazz clarinetist, saxophonist and bandleader.Barnes grew up in
Chicago and studied underFranz Schoepp in addition to attending theChicago Musical College and theAmerican Conservatory of Music . He led his own bands from the early 1920s in addition to playing withDetroit Shannon and his Royal Creolians. After Shannon's retinue became dissatisfied with his leadership, Barnes took control of this group as well. He played mostly in Chicago, though the band did hold a residency at theSavoy Ballroom inNew York City as well. His band recorded in 1928-29 forBrunswick Records . He toured theAmerican South in the 1930s to considerable success, touring there yearly; by 1938 his ensemble included 16 members.Barnes was one of the victims of the
Rhythm Club Fire in Natchez, Mississippi on April 23, 1940. He played in an eight-piece band that night when the club caught fire; he had the group continue playing the song "Marie" in order to keep the crowd from stampeding out of the building. All of the band's members, includingPaul Stott and vocalistJuanita Avery , were among the 201 victims of the fire. Barnes's death was repeatedly immortalized in song thereafter.References
*Howard Rye, "Walter Barnes". "Grove Jazz" online.
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fifyxqu0ldhe~T1 Walter Barnes] atAllmusic
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