King Oliver

Louis Armstrong credits King Oliver as being his only real musical mentor, and called him his "true idol". Armstrong played second cornet in Oliver's band, and the two would come up with some of the wildest, exciting two-cornet breaks ever played. Oliver's use of mutes and other odd objects he used as mutes became a trademark and was passed down to later generations. He was, perhaps, the first musician to extensively use the plunger to give his sound a human moan.

Oliver grew up blind in one eye because of an early childhood accident. He started out on the trombone, but quickly switched to the cornet.

From 1907 to 1919 he played with many ensembles: the Melrose Brass Band, the Olympia Band, his own band (with Sidney Bechet), Eagle Onward and Magnolia, as well as Kid Ory's band (where he got the nickname "King").

He moved to Chicago in 1919, playing with many groups out there before sending for Louis Armstrong in 1922 to join his band. That band (which included Louis' wife, Lil Armstrong) is one of the most acclaimed bands of all time.

Oliver later moved to New York City, playing and recording with various groups before settling in Georgia. He spent his last years struggling with mental problems, fading away from the public eye until his death. His influence is felt most strongly through Louis Armstrong, but also through Bubber Miley and those who played with him.