Leon Bismark (Bix) Beiderbecke (1903-1931) was one of the pioneers of jazz music.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Bix could play several instruments, but it was the cornet on which he excelled. His parents sent him to Lake Forest Academy in 1921 hoping this would curb his musical endeavors and encourage academic focus. On the contrary, Lake Forest brought Bix closer to the thriving jazz community in Chicago. He would sneak out of school to visit Chicago’s speakeasies and jazz clubs, including the predominantly African-American clubs on the South Side.

Beiderbecke joined the school band and with classmate Walter "Cy" Welge organized the music-for-hire group, the Cy-Bix Orchestra. The orchestra played at several school dances and it was noted in the 1922 yearbook: “'Bix' Beiderbecke … and his orchestra furnished music which was declared to be unexcelled by his fellow students.”

Bix’s adventures into the City often lasted overnight. His disregard for curfew and his illegal drinking got him expelled from the Academy. After leaving Lake Forest, he played in several bands around the Midwest.

Press the play button to listen to a recording of Goose Pimples. It was recorded in New York City on October 25, 1927 featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet, Bill Rank on trombone, Don Murray on clarinet, Frank Signorelli on piano, Adrian Rollini on bass sax, and Chauncey Morehouse on drums.

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Bix Beiderbecke’s gift for original improvisation and his distinctive tone set him apart from other cornet players. His ballad style had similarities with what became known in the 1950s as “cool jazz.” An alcoholic, he died in 1931 at age 28 of pneumonia.