Jimmy Knepper

Trombone Player

Birthday November 22, 1927

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Los Angeles, CA

DEATH DATE Jun 14, 2003 (75)

#225355 Most Popular

About

Versatile jazz trombonist who performed with Charles Mingus and other jazz greats.

Before Fame

He began performing in his mid teens, spending time with Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, and Claude Thornhill before joining Mingus at age 30.

Trivia

He performed with many bands over a career spanning decades, but his contribution to Mingus' The Clown and Tijuana Moods albums established his reputation for originality.

Family Life

His wife Maxine was also a jazz musician, playing the trumpet.

Associated With

Though creatively fulfilling, his stormy five-year collaboration with Charles Mingus ended after a disagreement over royalties erupted into Mingus's slapping him and breaking his tooth.