Eddie Condon took extremely few guitar solos in his career (all very early), did not sing after the 1920s, and only wrote a couple of songs and arrangements. But despite that, he was one of the most important figures in classic jazz.
Condon’s talents were as an organizer, musical choreographer (although it was never called that), and propagandist for the music that he loved. He was expert at setting tempos and was a fine rhythm guitarist who, although barely audible to the audience, set a swinging rhythm that inspired his musicians.
When faced with leading a 10-piece all-star band, he knew who to feature when and for how long, leaving everyone satisfied. Condon was a wise-cracking emcee with a love for his musicians, he was always great for publicists and the press with his quotes and quips, and he symbolized the hard-drinking, hard-driving music. Condon also helped form and formalize what came to be known as Dixieland even though he never liked the name.
Early Years
Albert Edwin Condon was born in Goodland, Indiana on November 16, 1905, growing up in Momence and Chicago Heights, Illinois. His first instrument was the ukulele, soon switching to banjo. He was playing professionally by 1921 when he was 15. Among his early gigs were strumming for Bill Engleman’s group in Cedar Rapids (in September 1921), Hollis Peavey’s Jazz Bandits, Bob Pacelli, Charlie Pearce, Charles “
