William McKinney
William McKinney | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 17, 1895 Cynthiana, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | October 14, 1969 (aged 74) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Instrument(s) | Drums |
William "Bill" McKinney (September 17, 1895 – October 14, 1969) was an American jazz drummer who led a series of musical groups, most notably McKinney's Cotton Pickers.
Early life[edit]
McKinney was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He worked as a drummer in a circus band, then after serving in the United States Army in World War I settled in Springfield, Ohio where he took over leadership of the Synco Jazz Band.
Career[edit]
After hiring drummer Cuba Austin, McKinney worked as leader and business manager. After touring the U.S. Midwest, they got a residency at the Arcadia Ballroom in Detroit, Michigan in 1926. In Detroit they were heard by bandleader and music promoter Jean Goldkette, who arranged a more lucrative home base for the band in Detroit's Graystone Ballroom. The band was renamed McKinney's Cotton Pickers.[1]
After the band broke up in 1934 during the Great Depression, McKinney for a time led and played with a dance band in Boston, From 1937 on McKinney managed a Detroit Cafe with a dance floor and live bands who McKinney booked; he also booked bands for other locations on the side.
Bill McKinney retired in the 1950s and spent his last years in his childhood hometown of Cynthiana.
Further reading[edit]
- McKinney's Music by John Chilton, 1978, ISBN 978-0950129013
References[edit]
- ^ "McKinney, William "Bill" · Notable Kentucky African Americans Database". nkaa.uky.edu. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
| International | |
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| National | |
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| Other | |
- 1895 births
- 1969 deaths
- American jazz drummers
- Musicians from Springfield, Ohio
- People from Cynthiana, Kentucky
- Jazz musicians from Kentucky
- 20th-century American drummers
- American male drummers
- Jazz musicians from Ohio
- 20th-century American male musicians
- American male jazz musicians
- American jazz drummer stubs