Biography
Jesse Price earned recognition as a versatile percussionist renowned primarily for his work backing prominent jazz and blues artists across diverse ensembles over several decades. Starting at age 14, he took up the drums and began freelancing around Memphis, where he performed in the house band at the Palace Theatre and supported various blues vocalists. His relocation to Kansas City in 1934 positioned him as a key local musician, leading to engagements with George E. Lee, Thamon Hayes, and Count Basie's orchestra in 1936 before Jo Jones joined, followed by a tour alongside Ida Cox and a stint with Harlan Leonard from 1939 to 1941. Upon settling in Los Angeles in 1941, Price collaborated with an array of notables including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong in 1943, Stan Kenton and Basie again in 1944, Benny Carter, Slim Gaillard in 1949, and Jay McShann back in Kansas City, plus numerous additional figures. Activity slowed during the 1960s and 1970s, though he still directed a group at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1971. Between 1946 and 1948, he cut 23 tracks under his own name, primarily for Capitol, which leaned toward blues forms while frequently featuring leading jazz instrumentalists.