Legendary American jazz guitarist Herb Ellis was christened Mitchell Herbert Ellis when he was born in 1921. Known almost as much for his controversial choices as for his eclectic style of jazz, Herb Ellis has earned a place in the halls of jazz history.
The Early Years
Surprisingly, Herb Ellis didn’t show an interest in music until he was a teenager. Listening to the styling of George Barnes on a local radio program, Herb Ellis heard his first lick of an electric guitar. Encouraged by what he heard, he decided to buy his first guitar and a legend was born. He quickly became a talented guitarist and by the time he started attending North Texas State University, Herb Ellis was accomplished enough to major in music. He would have liked to study the guitar, but the school didn’t have a program for guitarists. Instead, Herb Ellis studied the closest instrument he could find to his beloved guitar, the string bass.
The Jazz Age
While still in college, Herb Ellis heard jazz great Charlie Christian, an event that changed the course of his music forever. Compelled to play jazz by the influence of Christian’s sound and a meeting with Jimmy Giuffre, Herb Ellis began to hone his craft.
Money was tight, in spite of his natural talent, and he was forced to quit college and go on the road. Touring the country playing with other jazz greats, was perhaps a better musical education than he would have received at college. During this time, he played with Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra, Soft Winds, and even Jimmy Dorsey.
The Controversial Herb Ellis
Herb Ellis never set out to be controversial, but his choice of band mates made him a target for criticism and gossip. In an era when segregation still ruled, Ellis joined the Oscar Peterson Trio where he was the only white member of the group. At the time this was quite controversial, but today modern musicians applaud that by being a part of the group, he took a stand against racism.
Back To His Original Roots
Herb Ellis had a special style of guitar that was all his own, yet it was unquestionably influenced by Charlie Christian. In his later years, he made a special album, dedicated to Mr. Christian that he titled appropriately enough, “Thank You, Charlie Christian.” The album met with good reviews. Most people that listened to it marveled at how well he managed to stay true to Mr. Christian’s sound without losing the essence of the music that was uniquely his own sound.
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