Bio

Jimmy Blanton was born in 1918 in Tennessee. Blanton’s mother was a well known music teacher in his area, and he spent his youth playing in bands led by her, originally on the violin. While at school at Tenessee State University, Blanton picked up the bass. Blanton’s first big break came when the Duke Ellington Orchestra came to St. Louis for a residence. Blanton was living in St. Louis at the time, and Ellington was impressed by Blanton’s performance at the evening jam sessions. Ellington offered him a job the same night they met. He’s often credited as being one of the originators of more complex pizzicato and arco bass solos in the jazz style. Additionally, he particpated in the small jam sessions that took place at Minton’s Playhouse and contributed to the creation of the Bop style.