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Jimmy Rushing's inaugural public vocal performance occurred in 1924 while he was engaged as a pianist in a club.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's first public vocal performance took place in 1924 while he was playing the piano at a club.
Jimmy Rushing received formal musical education, including the study of music theory at Frederick A. Douglass High School and attendance at Wilberforce University.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing received formal musical education, including studying music theory at Frederick A. Douglass High School and attending Wilberforce University.
Jimmy Rushing's father actively encouraged his pursuit of piano performance from a young age.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's father initially discouraged him from playing the piano, encouraging the violin instead.
George 'Fathead' Thomas and Wesley Manning were key figures who inspired Jimmy Rushing's interest in blues music.
Answer: True
Explanation: George 'Fathead' Thomas and Wesley Manning were key figures who inspired Jimmy Rushing's interest in blues music.
Describe a unique aspect of Jimmy Rushing's formal musical education compared to his peers.
Answer: He attended college at Wilberforce University.
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing received formal musical education, including attending Wilberforce University, which was an uncommon educational path for many musicians of his era.
Describe the initial stance of Jimmy Rushing's father regarding his son's musical endeavors.
Answer: He discouraged Jimmy from playing the piano but supported the violin.
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's father, a trumpeter, initially discouraged his son from playing the piano and instead encouraged the violin.
Identify the key figures credited with inspiring Jimmy Rushing's interest in blues music.
Answer: Wesley Manning and George 'Fathead' Thomas
Explanation: Wesley Manning and George 'Fathead' Thomas were identified as key figures who inspired Jimmy Rushing's interest in blues music.
Prior to joining the Count Basie Orchestra, Jimmy Rushing performed with Bennie Moten's band, having joined in 1929 subsequent to his tenure with Walter Page's Blue Devils.
Answer: True
Explanation: Before joining Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing performed with Bennie Moten's band, which he joined in 1929 after leaving Walter Page's Blue Devils.
Before joining Walter Page's Blue Devils, Jimmy Rushing toured the West Coast as a pianist and vocalist with Jelly Roll Morton.
Answer: True
Explanation: Before joining Walter Page's Blue Devils, Jimmy Rushing toured the West Coast as a pianist and vocalist with Jelly Roll Morton.
Jimmy Rushing recorded with Bennie Moten's orchestra between 1930 and 1932.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing recorded with Bennie Moten's orchestra between 1930 and 1932.
Identify the jazz ensembles Jimmy Rushing performed with prior to his tenure with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Answer: Walter Page's Blue Devils and Bennie Moten's band
Explanation: Before joining Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing performed with Walter Page's Blue Devils and subsequently with Bennie Moten's band.
James Andrew Rushing, widely recognized as Jimmy Rushing, served as the principal vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra from 1935 to 1948.
Answer: True
Explanation: James Andrew Rushing, widely recognized as Jimmy Rushing, served as the principal vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra from 1935 to 1948.
Jimmy Rushing performed as a featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra for approximately 13 years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing performed as a featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra for approximately 13 years.
During his tenure with the Count Basie Orchestra, Rushing primarily championed the Chicago blues style.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his time with Count Basie, Rushing primarily championed the Kansas City jump blues style, not Chicago blues.
The text mentions 'The Complete Count Basie, Volumes 1-10' (covering 1936-1941) as recordings featuring Rushing with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Answer: True
Explanation: The text mentions 'The Complete Count Basie, Volumes 1-10' (covering 1936-1941) as recordings featuring Rushing with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Identify James Andrew Rushing's primary professional contribution.
Answer: His role as the featured vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra.
Explanation: James Andrew Rushing is most recognized for his significant tenure as the featured vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra between 1935 and 1948.
Identify the musical tradition that Jimmy Rushing actively promoted during his tenure with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Answer: Kansas City jump blues
Explanation: During his time with the Count Basie Orchestra, Jimmy Rushing championed the Kansas City jump blues tradition.
Jimmy Rushing's nickname, 'Mr. Five by Five,' originated from a song that described him as being five inches tall and five inches wide.
Answer: False
Explanation: The nickname 'Mr. Five by Five' originated from a song describing Rushing's physical dimensions as 'five feet tall and five feet wide,' not five inches.
Critics generally characterized Jimmy Rushing's singing style as confined to a low baritone range, often described as a 'gentle croon.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics did not generally perceive Rushing's style as limited to a low baritone or a 'gentle croon'; his range spanned baritone to tenor, and he was known for his powerful projection.
Jazz critic Whitney Balliett described Rushing's voice as rough and unrefined, suitable only for basic blues lyrics.
Answer: False
Explanation: Whitney Balliett described Rushing's voice as 'supple and rich, with an elegant accent,' lending sophistication to blues lyrics, not as rough and unrefined.
Nat Hentoff considered Jimmy Rushing a minor influence on popular black music, primarily known for his piano skills.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nat Hentoff considered Jimmy Rushing a seminal influence on popular black music, particularly rhythm and blues, and primarily recognized him as a singer, not for piano skills.
Scott Yanow characterized Jimmy Rushing as a versatile singer capable of performing various genres, not just blues.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scott Yanow characterized Jimmy Rushing as the perfect big band singer, versatile across genres beyond just blues.
Ralph Ellison observed that Rushing's blues singing created a feeling of detachment among listeners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ralph Ellison observed that Rushing's blues singing evoked a feeling of communion among listeners and musicians, not detachment.
Gary Giddins noted that Rushing brought an operatic fervor to the blues and that most of his recordings with Count Basie are considered classics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gary Giddins noted that Rushing brought an operatic fervor to the blues and that most of his recordings with Count Basie are considered classics.
Explain the origin of Jimmy Rushing's well-known nickname, 'Mr. Five by Five.'
Answer: It came from a song describing his physical dimensions: 'five feet tall and five feet wide.'
Explanation: The nickname 'Mr. Five by Five' originated from a song that described Rushing's physical dimensions as 'five feet tall and five feet wide.'
Summarize the critical descriptions of Jimmy Rushing's singing style by figures such as George Frazier and Dave Brubeck.
Answer: As a 'magnificent gargle' and 'the daddy of all blues singers,' respectively.
Explanation: Critics like George Frazier described Rushing's voice as a 'magnificent gargle,' and Dave Brubeck referred to him as 'the daddy of all blues singers.'
Identify the jazz critic who described Rushing's voice as 'supple and rich, with an elegant accent,' lending sophistication to blues lyrics.
Answer: Whitney Balliett
Explanation: Jazz critic Whitney Balliett described Rushing's voice as 'supple and rich, with an elegant accent,' noting its ability to make blues lyrics sound sophisticated.
According to Nat Hentoff, identify a genre of popular black music that has roots in Jimmy Rushing's blues shouting style.
Answer: Rhythm and blues music
Explanation: Nat Hentoff considered Jimmy Rushing a seminal influence on post-World War II popular black music, stating that rhythm and blues music has roots in his blues shouting style.
Summarize Scott Yanow's characterization of Jimmy Rushing's overall singing capabilities.
Answer: The perfect big band singer, versatile across genres.
Explanation: Scott Yanow characterized Jimmy Rushing as the perfect big band singer, versatile enough to perform across various genres, not solely blues.
Describe Ralph Ellison's observation regarding the effect of Rushing's blues singing on listeners.
Answer: It evoked a feeling of communion among listeners and musicians.
Explanation: Ralph Ellison observed that when Jimmy Rushing's blues singing captured the spirit of the blues, it created a feeling of communion among listeners and musicians.
The recording 'Going to Chicago,' featuring Jimmy Rushing, is noted for a prominent saxophone solo performed by Coleman Hawkins.
Answer: False
Explanation: The recording 'Harvard Blues,' featuring Jimmy Rushing, is noted for a prominent saxophone solo by Don Byas, not 'Going to Chicago' with Coleman Hawkins.
Jimmy Rushing made a guest appearance on Duke Ellington's 1959 album, 'Jazz Party.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing made a guest appearance on Duke Ellington's 1959 album, 'Jazz Party.'
The album 'Brubeck and Rushing' was a collaboration between Jimmy Rushing and the Miles Davis Sextet.
Answer: False
Explanation: The album 'Brubeck and Rushing' was a collaboration between Jimmy Rushing and the Dave Brubeck Quartet, not the Miles Davis Sextet.
In the 1957 television special 'Sound of Jazz,' Jimmy Rushing performed 'I Left My Baby' accompanied by members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 1957 television special 'Sound of Jazz,' Jimmy Rushing performed 'I Left My Baby' accompanied by many of his former bandmates from the Count Basie Orchestra, not members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Jimmy Rushing toured the United States with Humphrey Lyttelton and his band.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing toured the United Kingdom with Humphrey Lyttelton and his band, not the United States.
During the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, Jimmy Rushing sang 'Sent for You Yesterday' with the Muddy Waters Blues Band.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, Jimmy Rushing sang 'Mean Mistreater' with the Muddy Waters Blues Band, not 'Sent for You Yesterday.'
Jimmy Rushing's 1971 album, 'Livin' the Blues,' was named Jazz Album of the Year by Down Beat magazine.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's 1971 album 'The You and Me That Used to Be' was named Jazz Album of the Year by Down Beat magazine, not 'Livin' the Blues.'
The 1954 solo album by Jimmy Rushing is titled 'Goin' to Chicago,' released in 1955.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's 1954 solo album is titled 'Goin' to Chicago,' released in 1955.
The album 'Cat Meets Chick' (1956) features Jimmy Rushing singing with Billie Holiday and Buck Clayton.
Answer: False
Explanation: The album 'Cat Meets Chick' (1956) features Jimmy Rushing singing with Ada Moore and Buck Clayton, not Billie Holiday.
The 1957 Columbia Records album 'The Jazz Odyssey of James Rushing Esq.' featured arrangements by Oliver Nelson.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1957 Columbia Records album 'The Jazz Odyssey of James Rushing Esq.' featured Buck Clayton, but arrangements by Oliver Nelson are not mentioned for this specific album in the provided text.
Jimmy Rushing's 1967 album released on the Bluesway label was titled 'Every Day I Have the Blues.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's 1967 album released on the Bluesway label was titled 'Every Day I Have the Blues.'
Jimmy Rushing's 1968 album 'Livin' the Blues' included compositions by his first wife.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's 1968 album 'Livin' the Blues' included compositions by his second wife, Cornelia (Connie) Rushing, not his first wife.
The Count Basie at Newport album from 1957 is listed as featuring Jimmy Rushing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Count Basie at Newport album from 1957 is listed as featuring Jimmy Rushing.
The 1959 album 'Copenhagen Concert' by Buck Clayton features Jimmy Rushing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1959 album 'Copenhagen Concert' by Buck Clayton features Jimmy Rushing.
Jimmy Rushing collaborated with Benny Goodman on the 1958 album 'Benny in Brussels.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The album 'Benny in Brussels' features Benny Goodman, and Rushing also recorded with Goodman in 1939, but the provided text does not state they collaborated on the 1958 album 'Benny in Brussels.'
Identify the Jimmy Rushing recording specifically noted for a prominent saxophone solo by Don Byas.
Answer: Harvard Blues
Explanation: The recording 'Harvard Blues,' featuring Jimmy Rushing, is specifically mentioned as containing a notable saxophone solo by Don Byas.
Identify the 1957 television special in which Jimmy Rushing performed his signature song, 'I Left My Baby.'
Answer: Sound of Jazz
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing performed his signature song, 'I Left My Baby,' in the 1957 television special 'Sound of Jazz.'
Identify the song Jimmy Rushing performed during the blues jam session at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival.
Answer: Mean Mistreater
Explanation: At the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, Jimmy Rushing sang the song 'Mean Mistreater' during a blues jam session.
Identify the Jimmy Rushing album that was recognized as Jazz Album of the Year by Down Beat magazine.
Answer: The You and Me That Used to Be
Explanation: The album 'The You and Me That Used to Be' by Jimmy Rushing was honored by Down Beat magazine as Jazz Album of the Year.
Identify the album that features Jimmy Rushing performing alongside Ada Moore and Buck Clayton.
Answer: Cat Meets Chick
Explanation: The album 'Cat Meets Chick' (1956) features Jimmy Rushing singing with Ada Moore and Buck Clayton.
Identify the individual whose compositions were featured on Jimmy Rushing's 1968 album, 'Livin' the Blues.'
Answer: His second wife, Cornelia (Connie) Rushing
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's 1968 album 'Livin' the Blues' included compositions by his second wife, Cornelia (Connie) Rushing.
Following the dissolution of the Count Basie band in 1950, Jimmy Rushing immediately retired from the music industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the Count Basie band dissolved in 1950, Jimmy Rushing briefly retired but then formed his own group and continued recording.
Jimmy Rushing was featured in a famous 1958 Esquire magazine photograph by Art Kane, later recognized in the documentary 'A Great Day in Harlem.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing was featured in a famous 1958 Esquire magazine photograph by Art Kane, which was later recognized in the documentary 'A Great Day in Harlem.'
Jimmy Rushing made an appearance in the 1969 film 'The Learning Tree,' directed by Gordon Parks.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing made an appearance in the 1969 film 'The Learning Tree,' directed by Gordon Parks.
Jimmy Rushing continued performing at the Half Note Club in Manhattan until shortly before his death.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing continued performing at the Half Note Club in Manhattan until shortly before his death.
Jimmy Rushing won the 'Best Male Singer' award four times in the Melody Maker Critics' Poll.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing won the 'Best Male Singer' award four times in the Melody Maker Critics' Poll and four times in the Down Beat International Critics' Poll.
Jimmy Rushing received a Grammy nomination in 1971 for Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing received a Grammy nomination in 1971 for Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist.
In 1994, Jimmy Rushing was honored on a set of United States Postal Service stamps featuring eight jazz and blues legends.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1994, Jimmy Rushing was honored on a set of United States Postal Service stamps featuring eight jazz and blues legends.
Jimmy Rushing was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame in 2024, not the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to library and archival catalogs like ISNI and VIAF to help identify and organize information about Jimmy Rushing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to various international and national library and archival catalogs, such as ISNI and VIAF, to aid in the identification and organization of information about Jimmy Rushing.
The 'Further reading' section lists only Count Basie's autobiography for additional information on Jimmy Rushing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Further reading' section lists multiple resources beyond Count Basie's autobiography, including jazz guides and encyclopedic works.
External links for Jimmy Rushing include audio recordings of interviews and performances, such as a 1968 interview at The Half Note.
Answer: True
Explanation: External links for Jimmy Rushing include audio recordings of interviews and performances, such as a 1968 interview at The Half Note.
Describe Jimmy Rushing's activities immediately following the dissolution of the Count Basie band in 1950.
Answer: He briefly retired, then formed his own group and continued recording.
Explanation: After the Count Basie band dissolved in 1950, Jimmy Rushing briefly retired before forming his own group and resuming his recording career.
Identify the magazine for which Jimmy Rushing was photographed in a famous 1958 session.
Answer: Esquire Magazine
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing was part of a famous 1958 photograph taken by Art Kane for Esquire magazine.
Explain the historical significance of Jimmy Rushing's appearance in the 1969 film 'The Learning Tree.'
Answer: It was the first major studio feature film directed by an African-American.
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing's appearance in 'The Learning Tree' is historically significant because it was the first major studio feature film directed by an African-American, Gordon Parks.
Identify the category for which Jimmy Rushing received a Grammy nomination in 1971.
Answer: Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing received a Grammy nomination in 1971 in the category of Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist.
State the year in which Jimmy Rushing was honored on a set of United States Postal Service stamps.
Answer: 1994
Explanation: In 1994, Jimmy Rushing was honored on a set of United States Postal Service stamps.
Identify the posthumous honor awarded to Jimmy Rushing in 2024.
Answer: Induction into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame
Explanation: In 2024, Jimmy Rushing received the posthumous honor of induction into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame.
Jimmy Rushing died of pneumonia on June 8, 1972, in New York City.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing died of leukemia on June 8, 1972, in New York City, not pneumonia.
Jimmy Rushing had one son, Robert, with his first wife.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing had two sons, Robert and William, with his second wife, Cornelia.
Later in his life, Jimmy Rushing resided in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York.
Answer: True
Explanation: Later in his life, Jimmy Rushing resided in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York.
Identify the primary cause of Jimmy Rushing's death.
Answer: Leukemia
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing died from leukemia.
Identify the final resting place of Jimmy Rushing.
Answer: At Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, New York
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing is interred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York.
Detail the number of sons Jimmy Rushing had and specify with which wife.
Answer: Two sons, Robert and William, with his second wife, Cornelia.
Explanation: Jimmy Rushing had two sons, Robert and William, with his second wife, Cornelia (Connie).