Leroy Eliot "Slam" Stewart was born on September 21, 1914, in Englewood, New Jersey, and passed away on December 10, 1987, in Binghamton, New York. He was an influential American jazz double-bass player renowned for his unique technique of bowing the bass while simultaneously humming or singing an octave higher. Originally a violinist, Stewart switched to the double bass at the age of 20 while attending Dwight Morrow High School. His signature style was inspired during his studies at the Boston Conservatory when he heard Ray Perry sing along with his violin.

In 1937, Stewart formed the novelty jazz duo Slim and Slam with Slim Gaillard, achieving a major hit with "Flat Foot Floogie (with a Floy Floy)" in 1938. Throughout the 1940s, he was a sought-after session musician, collaborating with jazz legends such as Lester Young, Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, Erroll Garner, Art Tatum, and Benny Goodman. Notably, he participated in a 1945 session with Dizzy Gillespie's group, resulting in bebop classics like "Groovin' High" and "Dizzy Atmosphere."

Stewart also led his own group and performed with pianist Erroll Garner. He recorded duets with tenor saxophonist Don Byas and worked with musicians like Billy Taylor and Roy Eldridge. In the 1950s and 1960s, he played with Beryl Booker and Rose Murphy, and in the 1970s, he toured Europe, recording several albums. Stewart also taught music at Binghamton University and Yale University. His contributions to jazz were significant, and his innovative style left a lasting impact on the genre.