St. Louis Jimmy Oden
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"St. Louis" Jimmy Oden
(June 26, 1903 - December 30, 1977)
Saint Louis Jimmy was, as his nickname professes, from Saint Louis. As a young man he played excellent piano, often times playing with Roosevent Sykes at clubs and parties. It was his widespread exposure and notoriety that aided in playing a direct part in forging the Saint Louis Blues style, which was influenced largely by ragtime and piedmont blues sounds, most often with prominent piano playing. While still in St. Louis he played with Sunnyland Slim before moving in 1932 to Chicago, Illinois with Roosevelt. He became an exceptional composer for the likes of Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, and Little Walter. He lived a long and formidable career until his retirement due to bad health in the 1970s.
Notable songs by St. Louis Jimmy Oden
Notable Books on St. Louis Jimmy Oden
The Big Book of Blues by Robert Santelli
