Jimmy Blythe
b. c.1901, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, d. 21 June 1931. Growing up in Chicago, Blythe was taught to play piano and made his first records in 1924. He recorded extensively, if often anonymously, being first-call accompanist for numerous record dates by singers. He also formed and led many pick-up bands for record dates, using such names as the State Street Ramblers, the Chicago Footwarmers and the Washboard Ragamuffins. Along the way Blythe worked with many fine jazzmen of the '20s, amongst them Johnny Dodds and Freddie Keppard. By the end of the '20s he was in less demand and he died in 1931.