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Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Jazz Artist born

Harry Edison

Harry Edison, a Black musician, was born on this date in 1915 in Columbus, Ohio. Harry 'Sweets' Edison was a trumpeter inspired by Louis Armstrong.

He gained valuable early experience with several bands, including the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra.  After a short spell with Lucky Millinder, Edison joined the Count Basie band in 1938, remaining until Basie folded his big band in 1950.  Edison then began a long career as a leader of small groups, a solo artist, and a studio musician; he also worked occasionally with bandleaders such as Buddy Rich.

He toured with Jazz At The Philharmonic, and in the 1950s, his work came to the attention of millions who never knew his name when he performed with the Nelson Riddle orchestra behind the vocals of Frank Sinatra. In the 1960s, he occasionally worked with Basie again but was mostly heard as a soloist, touring extensively on the international club and festival circuit. He also recorded with the saxophonist Jimmy Forrest and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Edison often favored playing with a Harmon mute in performance, and while he had many imitators, few matched his laconic wit and inventiveness.

No other trumpeter has been able to use his trademark of repeated single notes to such good effect. On his numerous recording dates, he was teamed with most of the big names in jazz and continually defied his advancing years. In November 1989, he appeared as a featured soloist with the Frank Wess-Harry Edison Orchestra at the Fujitsu-Concord Jazz Festival in Japan.

Harry Edison died on July 27, 1999, in Columbus, Ohio.

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