"Kenny Dorham"

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1924-Born at 8:30 AM Aug. 30, on a ranch near Fairfield Texas. As a boy, Kenny bailed hay, picked cotton, and herded cattle. The son of a "share cropper," he was familiar withthe yodeling style of "western" music (Gene Autry) as well as the music of the Southern Baptist Church.1929 Kenny played "Boogie-Woogie" style piano at age 5. While attending Anderson High School in Austin Texas, he took up the trumpet and joined the boxing team. Later, he played in the Wiley College Dance Band. Although he majored in chemistry, he began writing his own tunes and arranging.

1942-After being drafted, Kenny served on an Army boxing team. Following his Discharge, he worked for Republic Aviation, the U.S. Ammunition Depot in Vallejo, Ca., and the U.S. Medical Depot in Oakland, Ca. During this time , he played in Russell Jacquet's Band and worked with Frank Humpheries (a trumpet player). Kenny also married and had two daughters.

1945-After moving to New York, he was "Discovered" by Dizzy Gillespie and he succeeded Fats Navarro in Dizzy's first Big-Band.1946 After joining Billy Eckstein's Band, Kenny became acquainted with Gil Fuller (the arranger) and began doing arrangements himself (for Gene Krupa, Harry James, and Jimmy Dorsey). He also played for Lionel Hampton.

1948-Kenny joined the Jazz Messengers. On Christmas eve, he began working with Charlie Parker. Kenny played at the annual jazz Festival in Paris shortly thereafter.

1950-After recording for Blue-Note with Thelonius Monk, he made his own record debut ("Afro-Cuban"). Later, he recorded with SonnyRollins on Prestige records. Kenny took Clifford Brown's place in the "second" version of the Jazz Messengers. He also worked with Mary lou Williams, Bud Powell, and Sonny Stitt.