History Jimmy Bertrand’s Washboard Wizards

Jimmy Bertrand (February 24, 1900 – August 1960) was an American jazz and blues drummer. As well as drums and washboard, Bertrand also played the xylophone and slide whistle. He led Jimmy Bertrand's Washboard Wizards.

James Bertrand was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, and was active on the Chicago blues and jazz scene of the 1920s. Bertrand recorded with Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, Tampa Red, Ma Rainey, Freddie Keppard, Erskine Tate, Big Bill Broonzy, Doc Cook, Jimmy Blythe, Lee Collins, and Blind Blake amongst many others.

He was the brother-in-law of Jelly Roll Morton and brother of the showgirl, Mabel Bertrand.

He was also a noted instructor; his pupils included Wallace Bishop, Lionel Hampton, and Big Sid Catlett.

Creative Commons By-SA License