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Curtis Mosby was a drummer, promoter, bandleader and club owner in California in the 1920s through 1940s. He was leading his own band in Oakland, California in 1921, toured and recorded with Mamie Smith’s Jazz Hounds in 1922 and 1923, and then settled in Los Angeles in 1923 where led the Blue Blowers for the rest of the decade.

Curtis Mosby Blue Blowers
Curtis Mosby’s Blue Blowers – 1923. Left to Right: Henry Starr, unknown, Bob Brassfield, Freddie Vaughn, Harry Barker, Lloyd “Country” Allen, Curtis Mosby

He founded a early jazz club in the city called the Apex which was later named Club Alabam. Mosby also wrote music for King Vidor’s 1929 African-American movie musical “Hallelujah” and his band appeared briefly in the film, supplying some very hot background music and accompanying Nina Mae McKinney on the song “Swanee Shuffle”, and playing their song “Blue Blowers Blues” underneath the comedy routine. You may listen to these audio selections from the film by clicking here. Mosby died in 1960.

discography

TitleRecording DateRecording LocationCompany
Between You And Me
(And The Deep Blue Sea)

(Rene / Allison / Rene)
1-21-1929Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
40001-D
All Night Blues1924 or 1925Los Angeles, CaliforniaUnissued Test
Blue Blowers Blues
(Curtis Mosby)
3-28-1928Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1442-D
Dearee1-21-1929Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Don’t Make Sweet Mama Mad1-21-1929Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Hardee Stomp
(Ashford Hardee)
3-28-1928Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1442-D
In My Dreams
(I’m Jealous Of You)
 (1)

(Leon / Otis / Rene)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1191-D
In My Dreams
(I’m Jealous Of You)
 (2)

(Leon / Otis / Rene)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Louisiana Bo Bo
(Ted Nixon)
1-21-1929Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
40001-D
Riverboat Shuffle
(Hoagy Carmichael / Dick Voynow / Irving Mills)
1924 or 1925Los Angeles, CaliforniaUnissued Test
Tiger Stomp (1)
(Nick LaRocca)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1192-D
Tiger Stomp (2)
(Nick LaRocca)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Tiger Stomp (3)
(Nick LaRocca)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Weary Blues
(Artie Matthews)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
Weary Stomp
(Artie Matthews)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1191-D
Whoop ‘Em Up Blues
(Barnett)
10-14-1927Los Angeles, CaliforniaColumbia
1192-D

ArtistInstrument
Country AllenTrombone
Leo DavisAlto Saxophone, Clarinet
Ashford HardeeTrombone
Charles HiteAlto Saxophone, Clarinet
Les HiteAlto Saxophone, Clarinet
Andy Iona (Aiona)Violin, Guitar
Walter JohnsonPiano
Charlie LawrenceAlto Saxophone, Clarinet
Curtis MosbyDrums, Leader
Bumps MeyersTenor Saxophone
PerkinsTuba
James PorterTrumpet
Attwell RoseViolin
Henry StarrPiano, Vocals
Thomas ValentineBanjo
Freddy VaughanTuba, Banjo

TitleDirectorYear
HallelujahKing Vidor

 

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