The Old Music Master, Hoagy Carmichael January 2005
In Mark White’s book, “You Must Remember This”, Howard Hoagland “Hoagy”
Carmichael is listed as a composer, author, pianist, singer and actor. Attorney could
also have been added to that list, since Hoagy Carmichael, whose early education was a
hit-or-miss affair that extended over a long period, was determined to establish a
foundation of respectability, and finally graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from
his hometown college, the University of Indiana.
This attempt at a sober and conservative lifestyle was doomed to failure, even before it
began. Hoagy was hooked on music, especially jazz, since he was 16 years old, when,
as a self-taught piano player, he met Reggie Duval, a black pianist who played at one of
the local Indianapolis nightspots. Duval gave him lessons and introduced him to
improvisational blues and jazz. Hoagy Carmichael, pianist was born.
Thanks to Duval’s training, Hoagy was soon earning money as a pianist with a local
band – enough money to pay for his college studies, in the early 20’s. It was during this
time that he met many early jazz greats, including King Oliver, Louis Armstrong,
George Johnson, saxophonist Don Murray and cornetist, Bix Beiderbecke, who became
Hoagy’s hero. It was their encouragement that led Hoagy to write his first song, in
1924. He titled it “Free Wheelin’” but when Bix and his group, “The Wolverines”
recorded it, they changed the title to “Riverboat Shuffle.” Hoagy Carmichael,
composer was born.
In 1926, Hoagy finally received his law degree. He was invited by Stuart Gorell, an old
friend from Bloomington, to move to Miami to set up a practice. Jazz and other music
were behind him. A sober life and a career as a distinguished attorney were to be the
important things.
important things.
were behind him. A sober life and a career as a distinguished attorney were to be the
important things.
En route from Indiana to Florida he ended up in New York, to see publisher Irving
Mills about his song “Washboard Blues.” After a few days of immersing himself in the
jazz talent that was in New York though, he did get to Miami. He even put out his
shingle, Hoagland Carmichael, Esq., Attorney At Law.
Then one day he heard Red Nichols’ latest recording of “Washboard Blues” back to
back with another of his compositions, “Boneyard Shuffle,” and it was goodbye to a
legal career and home again to Bloomington and Bix Beiderbecke and the gang.
Back in Bloomington, he collaborated with Paul Whiteman on a recording of
“Washboard Blues.” This was the first tune that his rasping singing voice was
preserved on records, and his title “singer” became official.
(to be continued) Sheet Music Magazine 02/1987
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