Origins & Early Life

Charles Joseph "Buddy" Bolden (September 6, 1877 – November 4, 1931) was an American cornetist who was regarded by contemporaries and later jazz scholars as a key figure in the development of a New Orleans style of ragtime music, or "jass", which later came to be known as jazz. When he was born, Bolden's father, Westmore Bolden, was working as a driver for William Walker, the former enslaver of Buddy's grandfather Gustavus Bolden, who was born in Louisiana in 1806 and died in 1866. Gustavus was most likely born into slavery, although there are no definitive records. His mother, Alice (née Harris), was aged 18 when she married Westmore on August 14, 1873.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Westmore Bolden was around 25 at the time, as records show that he was 19 in August 1866. When Buddy was six years old, his father died, after which the boy lived with his mother and other family members. In records of the period the family name is variously spelled Bolen, Bolding, Boldan, and Bolden, thus complicating research. Buddy likely attended Fisk School in New Orleans, though evidence is circumstantial, as early records of this and other local schools are missing. Bolden was known as "King...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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