Bix Beiderbecke

USA, 1924–1931

American cornetist and pianist (1903-1931). His clear tone and lyrical phrasing offered an alternative to Armstrong's, and the piano piece 'In a Mist' shows his interest in Impressionist harmony.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Bix Beiderbecke and 3 artists Bix Beiderbecke influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Bix Beiderbecke?

• Louis Armstrong — Beiderbecke absorbed Armstrong's recordings as they appeared — the lyrical cornet line that shaped his own.

Which artists did Bix Beiderbecke influence?

• Artie Shaw — The lyrical cornet of Bix Beiderbecke (and his partner Frankie Trumbauer) was an early influence on Shaw's melodic, elegant improvising.
• Hoagy Carmichael — Beiderbecke was Carmichael's closest friend and muse — 'Stardust' grew from Bix's improvising, and Carmichael's memoirs are half about him.
• Boris Vian — The trumpeter Vian played after. He cared enough to translate the novel written about Beiderbecke into French.