George Brunies
George Clarence Brunies, also known as Georg Brunis, was an influential American jazz trombonist born on February 6, 1902, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was part of a musical family, with his father leading a family band and his brothers becoming noted musicians. By the age of eight, Brunies was playing professionally in Papa Jack Laine's band and later switched to trombone. He became known as "The King of the Tailgate Trombone" and played with various jazz, dance, and parade bands in New Orleans.
Brunies first went to Chicago in 1919 with Ragbaby Stevens' band and later joined the New Orleans Rhythm Kings in 1921, which played at the Friar's Inn. His trombone style influenced young Chicago musicians, and his recordings were widely emulated. After the Rhythm Kings disbanded in 1924, Brunies joined Ted Lewis's band until 1934, followed by a stint with Louis Prima's band.
He had a steady gig at Nick's jazz club in New York City from 1938 to 1946, playing with Muggsy Spanier and Eddie Condon. In 1949, Brunies returned to Chicago to lead his own band, often showcasing his technical abilities and humor during performances. On the advice of a numerologist, he changed his name to Georg Brunis in the late 1940s, believing it would bring him good fortune.
Brunies passed away in Chicago on November 19, 1974. His contributions to jazz, particularly his trombone style, left a lasting impact on the genre.
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