Lyrics | Artists | Andy Kirk

Andy Kirk

Andy Kirk grew up singing, then learning the piano and saxophones (alto and tenor). Conductor Paul Whiteman's father, Wilberforce Whiteman, gave Kirk lessons in music theory. As early as 1916, he began playing the tuba and bass saxophone, in vogue at the time, in George Morrison's band. In 1925, Andy Kirk moved to Dallas, joined Terrence Holder's band, the Dark Clouds of Joy, and became its director in 1929. Mary Lou Williams joined the band as a substitute pianist, but soon became one of the band's main attractions, as well as arranger (1929-1942). The Dark Clouds of Joy move to...