KUVO celebrates Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson Centennial

On Monday December 18^th, we close out a year of jazz centenary honorees by showcasing Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson on what would have been his 100^th birthday.  Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson’s Texas roots came blaring out of his saxophone in the most bluesy way.  His career went back to the 1930s, through the big bands of the 1940s, and included playing, singing, composing and leading bands.  A young John Coltrane played in his band in the early 50s.

With his own band Vinson enjoyed a double-sided hit in 1947 with his R&B chart-topper ”Old Maid Boogie”, and the song that would prove to be his signature number, “Kidney Stew Blues.”  Vinson was an outstanding saxophonist for 50-plus years in both jazz and blues, and was a fine vocalist in the blues shouter tradition.

Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson music gets the spotlight on KUVO today.  Enjoy!