Outstanding Clarinetists in the History of Jazz – Part 8
Jimmy Hamilton – Known Only as Ellington’s “Soldier”
A series by József Fritz
September 5, 2023
American jazz clarinettist, saxophonist and composer Jimmy Hamilton (1917 – 1994), circa 1960. Behind him is Sam Woodyard drum kit.
This time, I would like to present one of the most outstanding orchestral clarinetists in jazz history, who joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra after Russell Procope and Barney Bigard, and was the first in that position to use a modern Böhm-system clarinet.
Jimmy Hamilton was born in 1917 in Dillon, South Carolina, and grew up in Philadelphia.
After learning to play the piano and various brass instruments, he began performing on the latter in local bands during the 1930s, before eventually switching to clarinet and saxophone.
His clarinet teacher at that time was Leon Russianoff.
In 1939, he performed with Lucky Millinder, Jimmy Mundy, and Bill Doggett, and in 1940 he joined the Teddy Wilson Sextet.
After his years with Benny Goodman, Wilson was looking for an original and competitive clarinetist for his ensemble.
Following two years with Teddy Wilson, Hamilton went on to play with Eddie Heywood and Yank Porter.
In 1943, he replaced Barney Bigard in the Duke Ellington Orchestra, where he remained until 1968.
His style differed significantly between his two main instruments:
on tenor saxophone, one can hear elements of R&B, while on the clarinet, his playing was much more precise, refined, and technically developed.
During his time with Ellington, he composed a few original pieces, but in reality, his sound itself contributed greatly to the orchestra’s overall tonal character.
Members of The Duke Ellington Orchestra clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton and saxophonist Harry Carney performing Copenhagen Denmark 1964.
After leaving Ellington’s orchestra, Hamilton worked as a freelance musician and arranger, and spent the 1970s and 1980s in the Virgin Islands, where he taught music.
After retiring from teaching in 1989–1990, he continued to perform with his own groups.
Jimmy Hamilton passed away on September 20, 1994, in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, at the age of 77.
One of his notable recordings is “It’s About Time,” featuring musicians such as Clark Terry (trumpet) and Tommy Flanagan (piano).
In addition, he recorded the famous ballad “Tenderly” with Duke Ellington, which stands as one of his finest showcase performances.