Eldee Young (Finding Aid)

Eldee Young

1936 - 2007

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Cajun, Asian and Soul Food

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Caribbean and Hilton Head South Carolina

Interview Length: 122 minutes

Interview Date(s): August 6, 2002

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, The HistoryMakers office, 1900 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Ill.

Abstract

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1936, jazz bassist Eldee Young describes his family's roots in Tennessee. Young's paternal grandparents were an interracial couple--his grandmother was black, his grandfather white. In accordance with the laws of the time, upon his grandfather's death, the grandmother had to repurchase the family's farm. Young describes how hard his father and his father's siblings worked in order to achieve this goal. His father, a trained machinist with a love of blues music, moved north in search of employment opportunities. He and his wife, a homemaker, settled in Chicago. Young describes being entranced by the excitement of the local music scene. From a young age he was determined to become a part of the community of performers he had witnessed. His eldest brother taught him what he had learned in his guitar lessons, and Eldee Young eventually pursued the bass. In high school, he moonlighted in local clubs, coming home late and attending school the following morning. He eventually became invo Jazz bassist Eldee Young describes his early years on the Chicago music scene as an exciting time during which he became familiar with the shake dancers and comedians who performed in all-night dance clubs. Early on, Young's elder brother instilled in him that he should focus on the music, and not become involved with the drugs that were rampant in many musical circles and their local community in general. Eldee Young played shows late into the morning and would attend school the following day. After high school, he went on the road with R&B singer Chuck Willis and other musicians. They experienced considerable discrimination on their travels; restaurants, gas stations, and hotels often refused them service and accommodations. After some time on the road, Eldee Young returned to Chicago to pursue training in musical forms other than the blues and to take care of his new family. Shortly after his return, he became involved in a group with two other local musicians, Ramsey Lewis and Isaac 'Redd' Holt; the three Jazz bassist Eldee Young describes that after much consideration, his successful jazz band was named The Ramsey Lewis Trio by Holmes 'Daddy-O' Daylie, the group's manager. The trio's first hit record, 'The In Crowd,' was inspired by a barmaid who insisted that they do a jazz rendition of an R & B record she had heard. Eldee Young describes that Chicago's music atmosphere was the best; the most successful jazz musicians in the world had spent considerable time in the city's nightclubs. Young describes the power of live musical performance. He describes that inspiring the audience to tap their feet, smile and applaud is a unique and powerful experience. Upon the break-up of The Ramsey Lewis Trio, Isaac 'Redd' Holt and Eldee Young formed a second band, Young-Holt Unlimited, which enjoyed considerable media exposure and musical success. In addition to his career success, Young had a family at home in Chicago--a wife and three sons. Young describes that his dearest memories include spending time with his role mod Jazz bassist Eldee Young describes that his success came with some obstacles. After he finished touring with Young-Holt Unlimited, he spent time in Chicago performing with local musicians and putting ensembles together for different venues. He then recognized that he was an alcoholic. A friend advised him to check into a program for rehabilitation from alcoholism, and Young followed the advice. He describes that he has not consumed alcohol in twenty-five years. Young discusses his family members' responses to his musical fame. Many of his relatives have passed. Young describes that he contributed his music to the Civil Rights Movement; he performed at benefit concerts and political events. He recognizes that the black community today has to become more cohesive and assert itself politically and economically. Eldee Young wants to be remembered as a musician who performed happy, uplifting music and enjoyed doing it. Through touring, he has brought his brand of upbeat jazz music to southeast Asia. Jazz bassist Eldee Young describes photographs from his many years as a musician.

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