Chief Bey

James Hawthorne (April 17, 1913 – April 8, 2004), also known as James Hawthorne Bey and Chief Bey, was an American jazz percussionist and vocalist, a visual artist and folklorist of African traditions. He was also ordained in Nigeria as a Shango Priest.

Early life and education Born James Hawthorne in Yemassee, South Carolina, on April 17, 1913, Bey moved with his family to Brooklyn and then to Harlem, where he began playing drums and singing in church choirs.

He also served in both the Army and Navy and during World War II. He attended cosmetology school.

His common-law wife Barbara Kenyatta was a priestess of Yémaya in the Yoruba religion. She collapsed and died four days later.

Discography As leader Children of the House of God (Mapleshade, 1997)

As sideman With Hamiet Bluiett Orchestra, Duo & Septet (Chiaroscuro, 1977) Dangerously Suite (Soul Note, 1981) Nali Kola (Soul Note, 1989) Bearer of the Holy Flame (Black Fire, 1994) Bluiett's Barbeque Band (Mapleshade, 1996) Live at Carlos 1 (Just a Memory, 1997) Live at Carlos 1: Another Night (Just a Memory, 1997) Live at Carlos 1: Last Night (Just a Memory, 1998)

With Babatunde Olatunji Zungo! (Columbia, 1961) High Life! (Columbia, 1963) Drums! Drums! Drums! (Roulette, 1964)

With others Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Sounds of Africa (New Jazz, 1962) Ray Barretto, Mysterious Instinct (Charlie Parker, 1962) Harry Belafonte & Miriam Makeba, An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba (RCA Victor, 1965) Art Blakey, The African Beat (Blue Note, 1962) Solomon Ilori, African High Life (Blue Note, 1963) Herbie Mann, Herbie Mann at the Village Gate (Atlantic, 1962) Herbie Mann, Herbie Mann Returns to the Village Gate (Atlantic, 1963) Miriam Makeba, Makeba Sings! (RCA Victor, 1965) Howard Roberts, Lord Shango (Bryan, 1975) Pharoah Sanders, Thembi (ABC Impulse!, 1971) Pharoah Sanders, Izipho Zam (My Gifts) (Strata-East, 1973) Warren Smith, Cats Are Stealing My $hit (Mapleshade, 1998) Guy Warren, Themes for African Drums (RCA Victor, 1959) Randy Weston, Khepera (Verve, 1998) Judd Woldin, Raisin (Columbia, 1973) World Saxophone Quartet, Metamorphosis (Elektra Nonesuch, 1991) World Saxophone Quartet, Selim Sivad. Tribute to Miles Davis with African Drums (Justin Time, 1998)