James Tim Brymn
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Lieutenant James Tim Brymn |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | James Timothy Brymn |
| Born |
October 5, 1874 or 1881 Kinston, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | October 3, 1946 (age 64-71) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Conductor, arranger, composer, pianist |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | c.1900–1930s |
James Timothy Brymn (October 5, 1874 or 1881 – October 3, 1946) was an African-American conductor, arranger, composer, and pianist who generally performed northeastern hot style jazz. He was usually credited as Lieutenant James Tim Brymn, and was sometimes billed as "Mr. Jazz Himself".
He was born in Kinston, North Carolina; most sources indicate October 5, 1881, but researchers Bob Eagle and Eric LeBlanc suggest 1874 on the basis of his entry in the 1880 census. He studied at Christian Institute and Shaw University and received his musical education at the National Conservatory of Music. With Cecil Mack, he co-wrote a number of popular songs, including "Good Morning, Carrie" (1901), "Josephine, My Jo" (1902), and "Please Go 'Way and Let Me Sleep" (1902). By 1905, Brymn had written five songs that were used in the Smart Set shows: "Morning Noon and Night", "O-San", "Powhatana", "Travel On", and "Darktown Grenadiers".
He joined the U.S. Army, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, serving throughout the First World War with the 350th Field Artillery. He became the bandleader of the regimental band, the "Black Devils". In 1919, Brymn’s Black Devil Orchestra performed at the opening of the Paris Peace Conference, in front of President Woodrow Wilson and General John Pershing, and were later credited with introducing jazz to France. The all African-American 70 piece orchestra was described at the time as "a military symphony engaged in a battle of jazz." Willie "The Lion" Smith also served in the 350th Field Artillery Regiment and claimed to have received the nickname of "The Lion" for his bravery while in this unit.
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