Lem Winchester

Lem Winchester (March 19, 1928 – January 13, 1961) was an American jazz vibraphone player.

Lem Winchester
Birth nameLemuel Winchester
BornMarch 19, 1928
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
DiedJanuary 13, 1961(1961-01-13) (aged 32)
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
GenresJazz
OccupationsPolice officer
InstrumentsVibraphone
Years active1958-1961
LabelsPrestige Records

Early life

Lemuel Winchester was born in Wilmington, Delaware. His parents were politician William J. Winchester and Alverta Winchester.[1]

Career

Formerly a police officer, Winchester pursued music as a hobby in Wilmington, Delaware.[2] He turned to music full-time after an appearance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.[3] He was soon working with some of the top names in jazz, making his debut recording with pianist Ramsey Lewis.

Winchester recorded a handful of albums as a leader,[4] and made sideman appearances with the likes of saxophonist Oliver Nelson, and organists Jack McDuff and Shirley Scott. Most of his recordings were with Prestige Records. Critic Scott Yanow has suggested that while Winchester's playing was strongly influenced by Milt Jackson, he "did not stick around long enough to carve out his own original voice" on the vibraphone.[5]

Death

Winchester died at the age of 32 as a result of a handgun accident in Indianapolis, Indiana.[1][3]

Discography

As leader

As sideman

References

  1. "Widow of William J Winchester". January 22, 1977. p. 15 via newspapers.com.
  2. Chowning, John, George Lindamood, David Arnold. “Remembering Lem Winchester.” Current Research in Jazz 2, (2010)., Crj-online.org, accessed 09 October 2014
  3. Yannow, Scott. Lem Winchester Biography, AllMusic, accessed 09 October 2014
  4. "Lem Winchester Discography". Jazzdiscography.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  5. "Another Opus – Lem Winchester | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
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