Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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SHORT, J.D.

(b 26 Dec. '02, Port Gibson MO; d 21 Oct. '62, St Louis) Blues singer; played several instruments incl. guitar and harmonica. His first names were only initials: aka "Jaydee'. He learned piano and guitar, worked parties etc; recorded for Paramount '30 as Jaydee Short, for Vocalion '32 as Jelly Jaw Short (due to the way he produced his unusual vocal vibrato); it is also thought that he recorded duets with Peetie Wheatstraw '30 as "Neckbones'. Joined the Army '42 at age 40, was injured in an obstacle course and had a disability pension; it slowed him down for the rest of his life; finally his circulation suffered. He lived in St Louis for 30 years but retained the Delta style. Recorded for Delmark '58; Legacy Of The Blues Vol. 8 on GNP '62 was recorded and produced by Sam Charters, who also filmed him for documentary The Blues, released '63. A specialty was "Sliding Delta', about a train "so slow it almost slid, like a turtle.' Early Recordings 1930-33 on Wolf (Austria).