Slam Stewart

Leroy Eliot "Slam" Stewart (September 21, 1914 – December 10, 1987) was an American jazz double-bass player whose trademark style was his ability to bow the bass (arco) and simultaneously hum or sing an octave higher. He was a violinist before switching to bass at the age of 20.

Biography

Stewart was born in Englewood, New Jersey, United States, and began playing string bass while attending Dwight Morrow High School. While attending the Boston Conservatory, he heard Ray Perry singing along with his violin.

Discography

Studio albums Slam Stewart (1946) Slam Bam (1971) Slamboree (1972) Fish Scales (1975) Two Big Mice (1977) Dialogue (1978) Shut Yo' Mouth! (1981) with Major Holley The Cats Are Swingin (1987)

As sideman Benny Goodman Sextet, Slipped Disc, 1945–46 (1990) Art Tatum, Art Tatum Live 1951–1953 Volume 6 (2004) Joe Turner, Big Joe Turner, Texas Style (Black & Blue, 1971)

Filmography Hellzapoppin' (1941) Almost Married (1942) Boy! What a Girl! (1947)