James+Reese+Europe

by Dominique, Grade 6

James Reese Europe was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1881. In 1904 he moved to New York City. He also travelled to Washington, D.C. Then he became a pianist. James Reese Europe made the songs "Gay Lutena" and "Johnson's the Red Balloon".

In 1910, James Reese Europe became the president of the Clef Club, a club that he made. In 1912 the club put together a concert called "The Concert of Negro Music". There was a 125 man orchestra. Then, James Reese Europe left the Clef Club and formed the Tempo Club in 1913. He informed the Tempo Club about Black musicians. He also made a recording for the Victor Record Company. In 1914 he created the "turkey trot" and the "fox trot" with the Castles.

During World War I, James Reese Europe joined the army and became a lieutenant. He put together a band that could entertain the troops. He searched all the way to Puerto Rico to find some qualified musicians. His band, the Hellfighters, performed all over Europe. The band was highly respected because nobody could play the jazz they played.

When they returned to Harlem, the Hellfighters continued their career by going on a tour. As James Reese Europe was going to Boston, Massachusetts, one of his drummers murdered him because he was fed up with James’ strict direction. He talked James to the ground and stabbed him. James was wounded so they took him to the hospital. While they were bringing James to the hospital he said ”Sissle, don't forget to have the band down at the State House at nine in the morning. I am going to the hospital and I will have my wound dressed....I leave everything for you to carry on." On the newspaper the headline said”The Jazz king is dead”. That was the end of James Reese Europe's lifelong journey. media type="youtube" key="S4xODDsTpCw" width="297" height="213" align="center"