Oh, Didn't He Ramble
The Life Story of Lee Collins as Told to Mary Collins
Edited by Frank J. Gillis and John W. Miner. Forewords by Danny Barker and Art Hodes. Afterword by Max Jones
The story of the legendary trumpeter, in his own words
Paper – $20
978-0-252-06081-6
Publication Date
Paperback: 01/01/1989
Series: Music in American Life
About the Book
Jazz trumpeter Lee Collins made "a powerful noise" that he brought to his own music as well as collaborators like King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong. A cornerstone figure in early New Orleans jazz, Collins tells the story of his life in Oh, Didn't He Ramble.He starts with his loose, happy youth in New Orleans, where he played in marching bands, funeral processions, and cutting contests on the street. A life of teen gangs and jealous girlfriends gave way to the drinking and carousing of the New Orleans scene--and the music he helped make world famous. Collins gives a rundown of the city's top musicians, bringing to life Rampart Street and clubs like the Red Onion where "you could cut the funk with a knife." He also traces the highlights of a career that took him to Chicago, New York, and Europe before illness forced him to retire in the mid-1950s.
About the Author
Lee Collins (1901-1960) was a jazz trumpeter who began performing in his teens. His recordings include Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight.Reviews
"A fascinating document of New Orleans jazz history."--Ralph J. Gleason, San Francisco Chronicle"A fine account of the development of jazz in New Orleans and Chicago from 1900 to 1960. . . . It should be in every jazz collection."--Choice
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