Lee Morgan
Trumpet
February 19, 1972 (Age 33) died
July 10, 1938 Birthday
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Birthplace
Social
About
Lee Morgan was a prolific jazz trumpeter, composer, and one of the leading hard bop musicians of the 1960s. While in his teens Lee Morgan became a sought after trumpeter, recording with John Coltrane and joining Dizzy Gillespie's big band. He went on to join Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and later record over 30 albums as leader. His song, "The Sidewinder" became a cross-over pop hit in 1964. Morgan's life was tragically cut short at the age of 33 when he was shot and killed by his common law wife.
Trivia
In addition to the trumpet, growing up Lee Morgan also expressed interest in the vibraphone and the saxophone. Morgan's song, "The Sidewinder" was used in a Chrysler television commercial during the World Series without his permission; the issue was resolved when he threatened to sue. In the early 1970's Morgan became a leader of the the Jazz and People's Movement and campaigned for black musicians' rights.
Early Life
Lee Morgan was born in Philadelphia in 1938, the youngest of 4 children. His sister gave him a trumpet at age 13 and Morgan quickly mastered it. He took private lessons and participated in workshops with jazz greats such as Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. By age 15 Morgan was playing professionally, co-leading a group with bassist Spanky DeBrest. Shortly after graduating high school in 1956 he joined Dizzy Gillespie's big band where he was often featured on tunes such as "A Night in Tunisia." That same year Morgan cut his first session for Blue Note Records.
Lee Morgan Solos
1963
Trumpet solo - The Siderwinder - 1963
4/4 funk in E♭ major at 159 BPM
Trumpet solo - Totem Pole - 1963
4/4 latin in E♭ minor at 140 BPM
Trumpet solo - Totem Pole - 1963
4/4 latin in E♭ minor at 140 BPM
Trumpet solo - Gary's Notebook - 1963
6/4 swing in B♭ minor at 180 BPM
Trumpet solo - Boy, What A Night - 1963
12/8 swing in B♭ major at 218 BPM
Trumpet solo - Hocus-Pocus - 1963
4/4 swing in F major at 186 BPM
Trumpet solo - Totem Pole - 1963
4/4 latin in E♭ minor at 141 BPM
Trumpet solo - Totem Pole - 1963
4/4 latin in E♭ minor at 140 BPM
1958
Trumpet solo - Moanin' - 1958
4/4 swing in F minor at 129 BPM
Trumpet solo - Are You Real - 1958
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 214 BPM
Trumpet solo - Along Came Betty - 1958
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 112 BPM
Trumpet solo - The Drum Thunder Suite - 1958
4/4 swing in D minor at 298 BPM
Trumpet solo - Blues March - 1958
4/4 march in B♭ major at 130 BPM
Trumpet solo - Come Rain Or Come Shine - 1958
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 142 BPM
1957
Trumpet solo - Blue Trane - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 134 BPM
Trumpet solo - Moment's Notice - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 248 BPM
Trumpet solo - Locomotion - 1957
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 270 BPM
Trumpet solo - I'm Old Fashioned - 1957
4/4 ballad in E♭ major at 80 BPM
Trumpet solo - Lazy Bird - 1957
4/4 swing in G major at 255 BPM
Trumpet solo - The Way You Look Tonight - 1957
4/4 swing in F major at 334 BPM
Trumpet solo - Ball Bearing - 1957
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 207 BPM
Trumpet solo - All The Things You Are - 1957
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 190 BPM
Trumpet solo - Smoke Stack - 1957
4/4 swing in F major at 228 BPM
Trumpet solo - Smoke Stack - 1957
4/4 swing in F major at 220 BPM