Biography
Duke Ellington’s orchestra maintained three distinct trumpet roles across the decades: specialists in the wa-wa style, beginning with Bubber Miley and later occupied by Cootie Williams and Ray Nance; lyrical soloists such as Arthur Whetsol and, subsequently, Harold “Shorty” Baker; and the “hot” chair, first taken by Freddie Jenkins and later held by Rex Stewart, Taft Jordan, Willie Cook, Clark Terry, and additional players. Although Jenkins never reached the extreme upper register attained by later trumpeters, he effectively initiated the high-note position within the band, a slot eventually filled by Wallace Jones, Al Killian, and Cat Anderson.
Severe health problems ultimately curtailed Jenkins’ performing years. His trumpet studies began in a boys’ military band, after which he enrolled at Wilberforce University. Between 1924 and 1928 he performed with Edgar Hayes and Horace Henderson’s Collegians before entering Ellington’s ranks in 1928. A notable solo appears in the 1930 film Check and Double Check on the selection “Old Man Blues.” During his six-year tenure he recorded extensively with the orchestra and earned strong audience approval. A debilitating lung condition compelled his departure in 1934.
Following a year of recuperation he resumed performing and fronted his own ensemble. Brief work with Luis Russell occurred in 1936, followed by a return to Ellington from 1937 to 1938. He then formed a co-leadership with Hayes Alvis. Late in 1938 renewed pulmonary difficulties forced permanent retirement from the instrument. Subsequent activities included songwriting, press agentry, disc-jockey duties, and correspondence work. Jenkins nevertheless survived another four decades, becoming one of the final living members of Ellington’s Cotton Club-era orchestra. His sole recording date as leader produced six titles for Bluebird in 1935, featuring Ward Pinkett on trumpet, Albert Nicholas on clarinet, and Bernard Allison on guitar.
Severe health problems ultimately curtailed Jenkins’ performing years. His trumpet studies began in a boys’ military band, after which he enrolled at Wilberforce University. Between 1924 and 1928 he performed with Edgar Hayes and Horace Henderson’s Collegians before entering Ellington’s ranks in 1928. A notable solo appears in the 1930 film Check and Double Check on the selection “Old Man Blues.” During his six-year tenure he recorded extensively with the orchestra and earned strong audience approval. A debilitating lung condition compelled his departure in 1934.
Following a year of recuperation he resumed performing and fronted his own ensemble. Brief work with Luis Russell occurred in 1936, followed by a return to Ellington from 1937 to 1938. He then formed a co-leadership with Hayes Alvis. Late in 1938 renewed pulmonary difficulties forced permanent retirement from the instrument. Subsequent activities included songwriting, press agentry, disc-jockey duties, and correspondence work. Jenkins nevertheless survived another four decades, becoming one of the final living members of Ellington’s Cotton Club-era orchestra. His sole recording date as leader produced six titles for Bluebird in 1935, featuring Ward Pinkett on trumpet, Albert Nicholas on clarinet, and Bernard Allison on guitar.