Biography
Since the mid-1970s Jim Beebe has directed his own ensemble that performs regularly throughout Chicago, focusing on Dixieland, swing, and mainstream standards. His introduction to trad jazz occurred in 1948 during his teenage years after encountering the Jazz Ltd. band, which sparked his interest. Following his time at college in Wisconsin and military service—including performances with the 3rd Marine Division Band—he spent three years alongside Bob Scobey. Beebe substituted for the unwell Fred Assunto in the Dukes of Dixieland, collaborated with the Salty Dogs and Little Brother Montgomery, and joined a tour featuring the Stars of Jazz, an all-star ensemble with Art Hodes and Wild Bill Davison. Over many decades as a Chicago mainstay, Jim Beebe cut two albums for Delmark in 1979 plus another in 1996, while also appearing as a sideman during a Franz Jackson date for the same label.