McKinney's Cotton Pickers were a United States jazz band founded in Detroit in 1926 by William McKinney, who expanded his Synco Septet to ten pieces. Cuba Austin took over for McKinney early on drums. In 1927 Don Redman left Fletcher Henderson's orchestra to become the Cotton Pickers' musical director, and he assembled a band which rivalled Henderson's and Duke Ellington's. Aiding Redman with arrangements and rehearsals with the band was the talented trumpeter-arranger John Nesbitt.
Between 1927 and 1931, they were one of the most popular African-American bands. Many of their records for Victor were best sellers.
In 1931 Redman left to form his own band and was replaced by Benny Carter. The Cotton Pickers disbanded in 1934, unable to make money during the Depression. Manager of the band was Jean Goldkette.
McKinney's Cotton Pickers - Great White Way Blues (1922)
Its sooooo catchy! LOVE IT!
zarzar17 2 years ago
I LOVE IT!!!!!
cousiwa09 2 years ago
formiggini.
Checked out your take and Phil Napoleons Original Memphis Five- the Cotton Pickers, did indeed record this. Irrespective, this is a very fine posting.
Corrie121 2 years ago
I´m a lttle bit confused....... :)
MC KINNEYS Cotton Pickers, founded in 1926, here a recording from 1922 ? There is a 1922 recording of this tune by THE COTTON PICKERS (without) McKinneys. This is a pseudonym for the ORIGINAL MEMPHIS FIVE - and that is whereupon ist sounds ;)
formiggini 2 years ago