Leon Bismark “Bix” Beiderbecke (1903-1931)

(second from right in photo above)

hailed from Davenport, Iowa.

he learned to play the piano and cornet by ear,

pioneering an improvisational jazz style

of nuanced timing and harmony that

influenced musicians well beyond his lifetime.

“jazz me blues”, from 1924, includes his first

recorded cornet solo.