The Wolverines

The Wolverines – Dance band. Originating in Hamilton, Ohio, in September of 1923, The Wolverines (late known as the Wolverine Orchestra) deserve a place in jazz history for playing hot jazz -- when most territory bands were playing sweet dance music -- and for launching the recording career of Bix Beiderbecke. In late 1923, Bix came from Chicago to join the Wolverines, and, in February of early 1924, the band made its first recording at Gennett Records in Richmond. Throughout that year, the band cut fifteen sides between Gennett’s Richmond and New York studios. Of particular note, two notable Hoosiers gave the Wolverines songs to record that year. While Indy’s Charlie Davis contributed “Copenhagen,” Hoagy Carmichael gave them “The Riverboat Shuffle.” In addition to concert activity in New York and Cincinnati in 1924, the Wolverines played many dates in Indiana including bookings at Indiana University, Butler and Indy’s Casino Gardens. In November of 1924, Bix, who was starting to develop a star reputation, left to join the Goldkette Orchestra in Detroit. In his absence, seventeen-year old cornettist Jimmy McPartland from the Austin High Gang stepped in as the new featured soloist. Although their recording career ceased after 1924, the Wolverines continued on under various personnel until 1931.