Sidney Bechet

NAME: Sidney Bechet

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: One of the first important jazz soloists and a master of the soprano saxophone.

BIRTH: May 14, 1897, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Sidney Bechet was born into a Creole family with a musical heritage. His father, Omar Bechet, was a shoemaker and flute player, and his mother, Josephine Bechet, was a seamstress. All four of his brothers were musicians as well.

CHILDHOOD: Bechet grew up in a vibrant musical environment in New Orleans, surrounded by jazz and blues. He began playing instruments at just six years old, eventually settling on the clarinet. Known for his musical talent and strong personality.

EDUCATION: Bechet had limited formal education but learned music informally from a young age.

CAREER RECORD: Sidney Bechet recorded extensively and performed with leading jazz musicians of his time.

A pioneer of jazz improvisation, his recordings predate those of Louis Armstrong.

Played with legendary figures like Clarence Williams, King Oliver, and Noble Sissle.

Mastered both the clarinet and soprano saxophone, becoming particularly known for his powerful and soulful soprano sound.

Composed his own music, including the famous "Si tu vois ma mère."

APPEARANCE: Bechet was of medium height, with a distinctive mustache and often seen in dapper suits typical of the jazz era.

Bechet in 1922

FASHION: Bechet's style reflected the fashion of the early 20th century jazz scene,. He was known for his sharp and stylish attire, often sporting hats and suits.

CHARACTER: Described as passionate, opinionated, and a fierce advocate for jazz music, Bechet was known for his fiery temperament.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Bechet had a playful side and enjoyed banter with fellow musicians. He had the ability to tell a good story. 

RELATIONSHIPS: Bechet was married three times and had tumultuous relationships, typical of his era and lifestyle. His wives were : Norma Hale (1918–1929), Marie-Louise Crawford (1934–1942), and  Elizabeth Ziegler (1951–death).

MONEY AND FAME: Bechet achieved recognition within the jazz community but didn't reach widespread fame until later in life. Financial success fluctuated throughout his career.

FOOD AND DRINK: Bechet enjoyed Creole cuisine, reflecting his New Orleans roots, and appreciated good whiskey.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Bechet's life revolved around music, and he was deeply immersed in the jazz scene, collaborating with artists across genres.

Sidney Bechet, a New Orleans lad with a head full of music, started young, clarinet in hand, learning from the likes of Lorenzo Tio and Big Eye Louis Nelson. This kid was a prodigy, tootling along with the city's top bands by the time his voice cracked. Now, Bechet wasn't a one-trick pony. He mastered not just the clarinet but also the soprano saxophone, his soulful soprano sound becoming his signature.

Believe it or not, Bechet might have beaten Louis Armstrong to the jazz recording game. During a European tour in 1919-1920, he became the first jazz musician to catch the ear of the critics. He even laid down some tracks himself, including "Wild Cat Blues" and "Kansas City Man Blues." Imagine, jazz history could have been a whole different tune!

Bechet's career bounced around a bit. He spent some time with Duke Ellington's early orchestra, shimmied alongside Josephine Baker in a revue, and even toured as far as the Soviet Union with various bands. But the 1920s proved to be a rough patch. A run-in with a lady (let's just say Bechet had a bit of a temper) landed him in jail in London, and another Parisian scrape got him deported back to the States.

Things turned around in dramatic fashion in 1949. Bechet was invited to a jazz festival in Paris, brought the house down, and decided to make Europe his permanent home. This move proved to be a golden ticket. He signed a record deal, cranked out hit tunes like "Petite Fleur," and finally achieved the fame that had eluded him earlier.

LITERATURE: Bechet had a limited formal education but had an appreciation for poetry and storytelling.

NATURE: Bechet loved the outdoors and found inspiration in the landscapes of the American South.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Apart from music, Bechet enjoyed socializing and attending parties typical of the jazz age.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Bechet's interests were primarily focused on music and the arts, with less emphasis on academic subjects.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Bechet was baptized Catholic at St. Augustine Churchi n New Orleans

Bechet's philosophy centered around the expression of emotion through music rather than formal philosophical or theological concepts.

SCANDAL Sidney Bechet's life wasn't all smooth sailing. There were brawls, deportations, and maybe a touch of bad luck.  In 1922, a London judge wasn't impressed with his behavior towards a lady, and Bechet found himself cooling his heels in a jail cell from September 13 to 26, 1922.  Fast forward a few years in Paris, and another scrape – this time involving a shoot out and a startled passer-by – landed him back in the slammer. Deportation to the States followed, a one-way ticket home with a stern warning to keep his nose clean.

MILITARY RECORD: The Old 8th Illinois (370th) has the longest history being the first Black National Guard Regiment in the US. The band was absorbed after World War One to make the American Syncopated Orchestra. This became the Southern Syncopated Orchestra that toured the UK and included Sidney Bechet.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Details about Sidney Bechet's health are sketchy. He is known to have suffered from chronic rheumatism later in life, which may have impacted his mobility and performance abilities.

HOMES Bechet's career as a musician necessitated frequent moves. He lived in various cities throughout his life, including:

New Orleans, Louisiana (his birthplace)

Chicago, Illinois

New York City, New York

Paris, France

TRAVEL Bechet toured extensively throughout the United States with various bands, playing in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Later in his career, he found success in Europe, particularly in France, where he spent his final years.

DEATH Sidney Bechet passed away on May 14, 1959, in Garches, France, at the age of 62.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA During his lifetime, Bechet made few appearances in mainstream media. However, his music has had a lasting impact and has been featured in films, documentaries, and television shows dedicated to jazz history.

ACHIEVEMENTS A true pioneer of jazz improvisation, his innovative solos predate recordings by Louis Armstrong.

Championed the soprano saxophone, establishing it as a prominent solo instrument within jazz.

Composed his own music, including the well-known piece "Si tu vois ma mère."

Paved the way for future generations of jazz saxophonists with his unique style and passionate spirit.

Recognized for his immense contribution to jazz with his induction into the American Jazz Hall of Fame in 1974.