Jordan, James Roy 1974-10-30

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James Roy Jordan, former theater drummer for silent films and jazz band member, identifies photographs in a band scrapbook and discusses the life of musicians in the 1920s and 1930s.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: James Roy Jordan

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: October 30, 1974

Location: Corsicana, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 45 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Fred Carpenter introduces interview by referring to Lester and William Harris, Camp Dick Jazz Band, Jordan’s early musical experiences, Played theaters as a drummer, Enlisted in Army Air Force Band (1918), Following discharge, Jordan and Harris form a band, Identifies all members of band from a photograph, Explores arrangement for band in the service and in civilian life, Follows process for vaudeville circuit, Repeats introduction of jazz band’s members, Continues with labeling of scrapbook photos, Mentions John Rucker, black comedian, Anecdote: Salt Lake City performance.

Tape 1, Side 2: Talks about BVDs, First theater that he played was in Teague, Received $15 weekly, Traces salary growth and job locations, Discusses Depression and fair jobs, Describes association with Wright Armstrong of Brownwood, Talks about disintegration of the band in Corsicana, Moved to Waco, then to Dallas as theater drummer(1919-1931), Mentions Dallas symphony, park programs and State Fair, Defines "girls’ show," with a chorus, comedians, band and singer, Talks of musicians’ recreation, Describes first encounter with marijuana in Kansas City, Retired in early 1960s.

Range Dates: 1918-1960s

Bulk Dates: 1918-1960s


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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