Slam Stewart

Leroy Eliot "Slam" Stewart (September 21, 1914 – December 10, 1987)[1] was an American jazz double-bass player whose trademark style was his ability to bow the bass (arco) and simultaneously hum or sing an octave higher.

Stewart was born in Englewood, New Jersey, United States[2] and began playing string bass while attending Dwight Morrow High School.

[3] While attending the Boston Conservatory, he heard Ray Perry singing along with his violin.

[1] Stewart found regular session work throughout the 1940s with Lester Young, Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, Erroll Garner, Art Tatum, Johnny Guarnieri, Red Norvo, Don Byas, Benny Goodman, and Beryl Booker.

He died of congestive heart failure on December 10, 1987, in Binghamton, aged 73.

Slam Stewart at Keystone Korner , San Francisco , California , April 28, 1981