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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZJEFFERSON, Eddie(b 3 Aug. '18, Pittsburgh; d 9 May '79, Detroit) Singer, lyricist. Originated the technique of writing lyrics to jazz solos, later a commercial success for Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. The word 'vocalese' was invented to describe it (see entries for Jackie and Roy, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross). Jefferson recorded for Hi-Lo '51; with James Moody '53 as vocalist/manager, wrote lyrics for Moody's solo on 'I'm In The Mood For Love', but King Pleasure had written his own (b Clarence Beeks, 24 March '22, Oakdale TN; won amateur night at the Apollo '51, had no. 5 R&B hit with 'Moody's Mood For Love' '52, no. 3 hit 'Red Top' '53, faded). Jefferson was a tap dancer '67--8, rejoined Moody '68--73, formed group Artistic Truth with Roy Brooks '74--5. He was shotgunned to death in the street outside a club after an opening engagement. Recorded with Moody; own albums Body And Soul and Come Along With Me on Prestige, Charlie Parker Memorial on Chess; Things Are Getting Better, then Still On The Planet with Richie Cole, both on Muse (now CD Godfather Of Vocalese); CD The Jazz Singer (tracks from '59--65) on Evidence. |