Slang is definitely cool, but other non-musical aspects, like nicknames, have created a certain allure or attraction to Jazz, too. Nicknames, especially the stories behind them, are fun, sometimes funny, and other times fascinating.
The immortal Louis Armstrong had at least three of them. Even before jazz was officially a musical form, forerunners of it, such as Charles “Buddy” Bolden, had nicknames. In fact, it seems that the bigger the artist, the quicker he or she gained a nickname.
This list contains a few of those nicknames; if you know of any others or can expand upon the reasons for a given nickname, please write in comments.
Armstrong, Louis — Dipper Mouth, Satchel Mouth, Satchmo, Gate
King Oliver and other early jazz musicians called Louis “Dipper Mouth” or “Satchel Mouth”, presumably because of his large mouth. Early in the thirties, Louis visited England and was given his trademark handle “Satchmo” when British fans heard the “Satchel Mouth” tag incorrectly. Billie Holiday called him “Pops.” Gate was also used to designate Armstrong at some point.
According to Louis’ own book “Satchmo, My Life In New Orleans” reprinted by Ace Books in 1957 (originally published 1955), “Dipper…(that was my nickname – short for Dippermouth, from the piece called Dippermouth Blues)”. It would appear that the name was given to him after the tune which he evidently liked when he was very young. -Bruce Barnett
Ammons, Gene — Jug
Not sure why the tenor saxophonist was called “Jug.” If you know the source of this nickname, please let us know. A reader says that Gene was called “Jug” because he could drink anyone under the table.
Basie, William — Count
In his autobiography, “Good Morning Blues,” he writes that he wanted to become part of the “jazz royalty of the time” – among them Duke Ellington, King Oliver, Earl Hines and Baron Lee – so he took the name ‘Count.’ This was in the late 1920s.
Bolden, Charles — Buddy
“Buddy” Bolden was reputed to be the first Jazz cornetist. If you know where this nickname came from, let us know.
Coltrane, John — Trane
Coltrane’s nickname, “Trane”, was a shortening of his last name.
Davis, Miles — The Prince of Darkness
In reference to Davis’ aloof brooding play on stage; it’s often cited how he would turn his back to the audience.
Ellington, Edward Kennedy — Duke
The young Edward Ellington was called “Duke” by his friends and family because of his ducal manner and his natty dressing.
Fitzgerald, Ella — First Lady of Song
This was her nickname because she truly was the “First Lady of Song.”
Gonsalves, Paul — Mex
Ellington tenor saxophonist Gonsalves was mistakenly called “Mex” by some people who believed that this descendant of Cape Verdeans was Mexican.
Hawkins, Coleman — Bean, Hawk
The “Hawk” nickname is obviously a shortening of Hawkins. “Hawk” was also known as “Bean” but we don’t know why. Do you? A reader says that the “Bean” tag was bestowed because of Hawkins intellect.
One of the Classics CD liner notes tells of one time in the late 30s, when Hawkins was playing in England as a featured player for the Jack Hilton (Hylton?) orchestra, and had been quoted, I guess in Melody Maker, claiming that a good player should be able to improvise in any key. The band members surrepticiously played a tune ONE HALF TONE lower, moving it from an easy sax key to a very tough one. Hawkins, coming in for his solo, realized what was going on almost instantly, delivered a respectable solo, and NEVER MENTIONED IT afterwards.
Here’s another take on “Bean.” The story is that some cats looked at hs eyes and said that they look like some beans after they had soaked in some water prior to cooking. Beans swell in standing water. Hence, his eyes look like swollen beans. I’ve heard this story on more than one occasion.
And how about this one?
Hawkins was called “Bean” because he came from Boston or “Beantown”, as it was known. apparently, people in Boston use dto eat a lot of beans with brown bread.
Lester Young once called Hawkins “The First President.” Although this is not technically a nickname, it is interesting and worth a mention.
Henderson, Fletcher — Smack
Someone out there please tell us why this mild mannered bandleader was called “Smack.” A reader suggests that “Smack” is slang for heroin and that Henderson’s laid back manner earned him the nickname.
Another reader states he smacked his lips when he ate.
Jackson, Milt — Bags
Milt admitted that he got his nickname, Bags, from the temporary furrows under his eyes incurred by a drinking binge after his release from the Army.
Johnson, James Louis — J.J.
J.J. used to sign his compositions with only his first and last initials (i.e., [J]ames [J]ohnson). This eventually stuck as a nickname. However, it is no longer a nickname, as he had his name officially changed in 1970.
Professor Longhair & other “professors”
“Professor” or “Fess” was generally given to teachers / mentors. “Longhair” is what jazz musicians used to call classical music, because of the long hair of Paderewski & other male artists. But it also refers to someone who knows his stuff – a theorist or a great inventor. — Steve Danby
McKay, Eleanor Gough — Billie Holiday, Lady Day
Eleanor McKay was her legal name after her father left, but Eleanor took her father’s last name and the nickname “Billie.” We are not sure where the “Billie” handle came from. Her good friend, saxophonist Lester Young called her “Lady Day” because of his tremendous respect for her and because he thought her every inch a lady.
McKay, Eleanor Gough — Billie Holiday, Lady Day
Eleanor McKay was her legal name after her father left, but Eleanor took her father’s last name and the nickname “Billie.” We are not sure where the “Billie” handle came from. Her good friend, saxophonist Lester Young called her “Lady Day” because of his tremendous respect for her and because he thought her every inch a lady.
Mulligan, Gerry — Jeru
Gerry Mulligan’s Jeru came from his name.
Navarro, Theodore — Fats or Fat Girl
Bop trumpeter Navarro received the nickname “Fat Girl” because he was somewhat overweight and effeminate. “Fats” was derived from “Fat Girl.”
As I understand it, Fats Navarro was called Fat Girl because he had a high-pitched voice, not because he was effeminate.
Oliver, Joseph — King
Oliver was dubbed “King” because he was literally the “King” of early New Orleans jazz cornet players.
Parker, Charlie — Bird, Yardbird
Early in his career, Charlie was dubbed “Yardbird” because of his love for chicken. The nickname stuck and was eventually shortened to “Bird.” (Original entry.)
Peterson, Oscar — Josh
Rushing, Jimmy — Mister Five-by-Five
It was Jimmy’s body build that caused people to call him “Mister Five-by-Five.”
Sinatra, Frank — Old Blue Eyes
Pop Jazz singer Sinatra was called “Old Blue Eyes” for obvious reasons.
Teagarden, Jack — Big Gate
At one point in the history of Jazz, “gate” was synonymous with a Jazz musician. Thus, “Big Gate” was a good nickname for the trombonist.
Teagarden, Charlie — Little Gate
Since Jack was “Big Gate,” it was natural that Charlie should be called “Little Gate.”
Waller, Thomas — Fats
There is no mystery to the nickname “Fats” which was given to the rotund stride pianist Thomas Waller.
Source:allaboutjazz.com
