A History of Jazz Podcast 1918: Wilbur Sweatman
May 1, 2017
Explore the overlooked genius of Wilbur Sweatman, a pioneer of early jazz and vaudeville. Discover his groundbreaking mixed-race recordings and innovative performances, including his unique three-clarinet gimmick. Delve into his early life, from childhood in Brunswick to leading orchestras in St. Louis. Hear about his struggle for recognition amid segregation and the dynamics of early recording sessions. The podcast highlights Sweatman's significant, yet often uncelebrated, contributions to the 1918 jazz scene.
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Barbershop Upbringing Shaped His Music
- Wilbur Sweatman grew up in Brunswick, Missouri, raised by his mother who ran a barbershop and boarding house.
- That upbringing exposed him to traveling musicians and ragtime scenes in nearby Sedalia.
Early Career In Pickaninny Bands
- Opportunities for Black musicians were limited to bars, circuses, minstrel shows, or pick acts for children.
- Sweatman began in a touring Pickaninny Band in the mid-1890s, earning early performance experience despite the racism of the format.
Gimmick: Multiple Clarinets
- Sweatman became a young orchestra leader on circus tours and later joined W.C. Handy's Mahara's Minstrels.
- He developed a vaudeville gimmick playing two or three clarinets simultaneously.