Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet was one of the true pioneers of early jazz music. Compared to Louis Armstrong, however, he is a minor player in the history of jazz.

After you have completed your reading and listening, plaease share your thoughts on the man and his style. How would you describe his playing to someone else? What was unique about his choice of instrument? And...

From what you have read, heard and seen, please offer your thoughts as to why you believe Sidney Bechet is a marginal figure in jazz history and not the pioneering hero of jazz he perhaps deserves to be.

National Public Radio (NPR) Biography of Sidney Bechet

Story of the Soprano Sax with Audio Clips

PBS Jazz Bio on Sidney Bechet

Something for Sidney (Lyrics)- Written by Bob Dorough