Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Leon Alexander Anthony Abbey was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 7, 1900 to Luther James Robert Abbey and Eva Lee Alexander. He started his career in 1920 as a classical violinist with the orchestra of J. Rosamond Johnson. Five years later, he recorded with Clara Smith on If You Only Knowed and You Better Keep The Home Fires Burning.

By 1926, Leon was leading the Savoy Bearcats and toured with the band the next year in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. For a decade, he toured throughout Europe and performed in India two times.

Abbey led a band with blues singer Ethel Waters. In Chicago, Illinois he led a trio until 1964. His sideman during his career included Fletcher Allen, Emile Christian, Bill Coleman, Peter DuConge, and Crickett Smith. He recorded Jazz and Hot Dance in Denmark as a leader in 1938 on Harmony Records in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was also issued under the name Whoa Babe.

Violinist and bandleader Leon Abbey transitioned in September 1975.

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