Jerry Blake

Jerry Blake (b. Gary, January 23, 1908 – d. December 31, 1961) – Saxophonist, clarinetist, and vocalist. Although born in Gary, Blake grew up in Nashville and toured with the Sells-Fioto Circus Band, which left him stranded in Chicago. There, he joined several groups and toured Europe with Sam Gooding in 1928-29 and later returned to the states with Willie Lewis in 1934-35. After that, he played with several prominent band leaders including Don Redman (1933-34), Fletcher Henderson (1936-38), Cab Calloway (1938-42), and Count Basie (early 1940s). In 1943, Blake suffered a mental breakdown, which ended his career and led to extended stays in institutions. A very detailed solography is found at www.jazzarcheology.com/artists/jerry_blake.pdf.