Bumps Blackwell
John Malveaux of
writes:
Standing
on the shoulders of Giants is a phrase often repeated during African American
Heritage Month. In an AfriClassical.com blog of February 23, 2018, I asserted
that Quincy Jones is the GREATEST of ALL TIMES producer in multiple genres and
he studied classical composition with Nadia Boulanger in France. Quincy’s foundation
began much earlier as a teen. “Q” baby sat for Robert “Bumps” Blackwell in
exchange for the opportunity to study “Bumps” Big Band charts. “Bumps” Big Band
backed Billie Holiday and other notable jazz artists. “Bumps” later became the
architect of Little Richard’s career. Thereafter, he produced, perhaps, the
most significant record in Pop music history during the period of segregated
radio air play called “Race Music”. Seeking
to transition Sam Cooke from gospel to poplar music, “Bumps” was fired by the
head of Specialty Records for using strings and “White” background singers
during a recording session of “YOU SEND ME”. His idea/concept was antithetical to existing practices and accepted logic. “Bumps” committed belief in integrating
or blending separate and unequal music concepts led him to purchase the master
recording from Art Rupe by assigning future royalty income from Little Richard record
sales to Rupe. “Bumps” recording of Sam Cooke ‘YOU SEND ME” eventually became
the first recording in music history to cross over from segregated (Black)
radio stations to achieve No. 1 POP radio (White).
American
composer Roy Harris also studied with Nadia Boulanger in France. “Bumps”
temporarily lived in the home of Roy Harris as a guest and provided some music services
while Roy Harris was composing his 10th Symphony. Approximately two
years ago or less, I contacted “Q” and asked if he remembered when I introduced
him to Johana Harris (wife of Roy Harris) at “Bumps” funeral in
Los Angeles. “Q” said he did not attend “Bumps” funeral. Although I was certain
of his attendance and the introduction to Johana, I later contacted “Bumps” daughter,
Kelly, in New Orleans and she confirmed that “Q” attended “Bumps” funeral. Apparently
“Q” memory has understandably declined but his achievements are recorded for posterity. “Q” is
standing on the shoulders of "Bumps", Nadia Boulanger, Frank Sinatra, and others. I am also
standing on the shoulders of “Bumps” Roy Harris and others and share with you “Bumps” important message “Blacks in All Music” instead
of the limited misconception of “Black Music”.
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