MCKINNEY'S COTTON PICKERS

McKinney's Cotton Pickers were a United States jazz band founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1926 by William McKinney, who expanded his Synco Septet to ten pieces. Cuba Austin took over for McKinney early on drums. In 1927 Don Redman left Fletcher Henderson's orchestra to become the Cotton Pickers' musical director, and he assembled a band which rivalled Henderson's and Duke Ellington's. Aiding Redman with arrangements and rehearsals with the band was the talented trumpeter-arranger John Nesbitt. Between 1927 and 1931, they were one of the most popular African-American bands. Many of their records for Victor were best sellers.  Among the many jazz greats who recorded with the band were Coleman Hawkins and James P. Johnson. In 1931 Redman left to form his own band and was replaced by Benny Carter. The Cotton Pickers disbanded in 1934, unable to make money during the Depression. Manager of the band was Jean read more...