Herman Fowlkes, Jr.
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| Herman Fowlkes, Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Fowlkes, center, and the 201st AGP Band.
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| Background information | |
| Born | September 21, 1919 |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died | April 3, 1993 (aged 73) |
| Genre(s) | Jazz, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, educator |
| Instrument(s) | Bass, guitar, trumpet |
| Years active | 1943–1993 |
| Label(s) | Trumpet Records |
| Associated acts | Sonny Boy Williamson II, Jerry McCain |
Herman Fowlkes, Jr. (September 21, 1919 – April 3, 1993) was an American jazz musician and educator from Chicago, Illinois.
[edit] Biography
Herman Fowlkes, Jr. was the first of two children born to Herman Fowlkes, Sr. and Marie Payne. As a youngster growing up in Chicago Heights, Illinois, he received classical musical training on the violin. Fowlkes later exchanged his violin for the trumpet and became immersed in the burgeoning music scene of post-prohibition era Chicago. At the age of 23, he joined the U.S. Army and traveled south with the 201st AGF Band. While stationed in Mississippi at Camp Shelby, the 201st AGP Band performed for many college and social club dances. It was during one of these dances that Fowlkes met his future wife, Mary McDaniel. The young trumpeter became enchanted with Mississippi and vowed to return after his tour of duty in Europe.
Upon his return to Mississippi, Fowlkes married, completed his college education from Jackson State University, and joined his friend and mentor, William W. “Prof” Davis as a music instructor and leading proponent of jazz in Mississippi.
During the 1950’s, Fowlkes was regarded as one of the premier bassists in the region and can be heard on several recordings of Sonny Boy Williamson II and Jerry McCain for Trumpet Records. Although his work would require traveling a great deal, he decided to limit his touring schedule and focus on family life. He was the father of three children, among whom jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson is the youngest.
