Music II - Jazz Wonder Child

Who was known as the “Jazz Wonder Child”?

Lillian (Lil) Hardin

Why was Lillian Hardin called the “Jazz Wonder Child”?

For her lively improvisations when demonstrating sheet music at Jones’ Music Store in Chicago

How did Lillian Hardin’s mother react to her nickname “Jazz Wonder Child”?

Her dignified mother was horrified

Where was Lillian Hardin from?

She was not from New Orleans

What formal background did Lillian Hardin have?

She had received considerable formal musical training

Where did Lillian Hardin first work in Chicago?

At Jones’ Music Store, demonstrating sheet music to customers

What was unique about Lillian Hardin in King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band?

She was the sole woman in the group

How did Lillian Hardin get hired by King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band?

She auditioned after other pianists were rejected and impressed them by quickly adapting to their music

What unusual instruction did Lillian Hardin receive at her audition with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band?

“When you hear two knocks, just start playing”

What was Lillian Hardin’s reaction at her audition with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band?

She hit the piano loud and hard, quickly felt what they were playing, and joined in

What happened after Lillian Hardin’s successful audition?

She was hired by the Creole Jazz Band and never returned to the music store

What skill of Lillian Hardin’s became valuable to the Creole Jazz Band?

Her ability to notate music

Who joined King Oliver’s band in 1922 as second cornetist?

Louis Armstrong

How did Lillian Hardin influence Louis Armstrong musically?

She helped improve his ability to read and write music

When did Lillian Hardin marry Louis Armstrong?

1924

Why did Joe “King” Oliver seldom feature Louis Armstrong during performances?

Because Oliver knew Armstrong could show him up

How did Lillian Hardin influence Louis Armstrong’s career direction?

She encouraged him to break away from Oliver

What offer did Louis Armstrong receive after leaving Oliver?

To go to New York and be the first cornet player in the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra

Who was Fletcher Henderson?

The bandleader who had accompanied Bessie Smith in “Lost Your Head Blues”

What major change happened for Louis Armstrong in New York?

He first acquired a trumpet instead of a cornet

What new reputation did Louis Armstrong begin building in New York?

A reputation as a singer

How many wives did Louis Armstrong have?

Four

Which of Louis Armstrong’s wives had the greatest musical influence on him?

Lillian Hardin