Valaida Snow (June 2, 1904* – May 30, 1956) was an
African American jazz musician and entertainer. *(Other presumed birth years
are 1900, 1901, 1903, 1905, and 1907.) Billed as “Queen of the Trumpet” she
appeared in some of the top theatrical productions of her day.
Valaida Snow was born into a family of musicians: Her
mother taught Valaida, her sisters Alvaida and Hattie, and her brother, Arthur
Bush, how to play multiple instruments. Valaida and all her siblings became
professional musicians. Valaida was taught by her mother to play cello, bass,
violin, banjo, mandolin, harp, accordion, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet. It
was natural for Valaida to be an entertainer: at the young age of fifteen, she
was already a recognized professional singer and trumpet player.
While Valaida Snow's beauty attracted audiences, it was
her incredible talent as a jazz trumpeter which truly captivated them. She
obtained the nickname, “Little Louis” due to her Louis Armstrong-like playing
style. Pianist Mary Lou Williams wrote about her: “She was hitting those high
C's just like Louis. She would have been a great trumpet player if she had
dropped the singing and dancing, and concentrated on the trumpet”.
Valaida toured and recorded frequently in the United
States, Europe and the Far East both with her own bands and other leaders'
bands. During the years 1930 through 1950 Alvaida could be seen with various
jazz greats: With her sister, Lavaida, a singer, she performed in the Far East
with drummer Jack Carter's jazz octet. She took part in a session with Earl
Hines in New York in 1933 and also performed with Count Basie, Teddy
Weatheford, Willie Lewis and Fletcher Henderson at various places and times.
After headlining at the Apollo Theatre in New York,
Valaida returned to Europe and the Far East to perform. Later she became
addicted to morphine. World War II had begun and Valaida was arrested by the
Germans for theft and misuse of drugs. She was held for 18 months between 1940
and 1942 at Wester-Faengle, a Nazi concentration camp. She was subsequently
released as an exchange prisoner in unstable health. Although this imprisonment
greatly affected her physical and psychological health, she resumed performing
and appeared at several prestigious engagements. It was at this time that she
married producer Earl Edwards.
As an actress, she debuted on Broadway in 1932 as Mandy
in Eubie Blake and Noble Sissles's musical ‘Chocolate Dandies.’ Later, she
appeared on Broadway in Ethel Waters' show, ‘Rhapsody in Black’ in 1934; she
appeared in the London production of ‘Blackbirds’ in 1935 with Johnny Claes and
also in its Paris production. She could be seen in ‘Liza’ across Europe and
Russia in the 30's and was also in the Hollywood films ‘Take It from Me’ in
1937, ‘Irresistible You,’ ‘L'Alibi’ and ‘Pieges’ in 1939. Valaida Snow shocked
people in the USA, with her eccentric behaviour. She travelled in an orchid
coloured Mercedes, dressed in an orchid suit, her pet monkey rigged out in an
orchid jacket and cap, with the chauffeur in orchid as well.
In early 1950 she records for the Derby label with the
Jimmy Mundy Orchestra. The result is “Tell Me How Long The Train's Been Gone”
and “When A Woman Loves A Man”. The record does nicely in certain areas, especially
Philadelphia and St. Louis. The Derby release is her first real effort since
her tragic imprisonment and it does well. Valaida Snow embarks on a tour of the
Northeast and is a particular favourite at the Monte Carlo in Pittsburgh. In
the fall she is at the 845 Club in New York and is held over. In a bit of a
surprise she leaves Derby Records and signs with Apollo Records late in the
year.
In February of 1951 she records “Porgy” and “The More I Know About Love” for Apollo with the Bobby Smith Orchestra. She continues her many in person appearances throughout the country, and in early 1952 embarks on a true R & B tour with Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers up and down the West coast. Her records are sporadic, and after a well attended stay at Chicago's Crown Propeller Lounge in late 1953, Valaida signs on with that city's Chess label. “I Ain't Gonna Tell” and “If You Mean It” are released by Chess. The next two years are spent mostly appearing in the musical revues that have always been the first love of Valaida Snow. A revival of “Blackbirds” is her main show and she continues to get good reviews for her performance.
It is just at this time that the final curtain descends
on her, as in June of 1956 Valaida Snow dies of a cerebral haemorrhage
backstage at the Palace Theater in New York. She passed away doing what she
loved most, entertaining the public with her great talents.
She lived an intense life and enjoyed it, even if she
bore the trouble and the tragic side that haunt many greats. She made the front
page news for her glorious endeavours as well as for her downfalls. It is a
continuing shame that so many people remain unaware of this extraordinary
woman. (Info mainly from James Nadal)
1 comment:
For “The Chronogical Classics: Valaida Snow 1937 – 1940” go here:
http://www57.zippyshare.com/v/y3wl8Ogf/file.html
1 The Mood That I'm In
2 Sweet Heartache
3 Don't Know If I'm Comin' O-Goin
4 Where Is the Sun?
5 Some of These Days
6 Chloe
7 Swing Is the Thing
8 Nagasaki
9 I Wonder Who Makes Rhythm?
10 I Got Rhythm
11 I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me
12 Tiger Rag
13 Minnie the Moocher
14 Caravan
15 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
16 My Heart Belongs to Daddy
17 You're Driving Me Crazy
18 Take It Easy
19 I Can't Give You Anything But Love
20 St. Louis Blues
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