Chief Bey
Chief Bey | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Hawthorne Bey April 17, 1913 Yemassee, South Carolina |
| Died | April 8, 2004 (aged 90) Brooklyn, New York |
| Nationality | African American |
| Occupation(s) | Baritone opera singer Jazz and African drummer |
| Known for | Strong Paul Roberson voice, Singer in the original Musical Porgy & Bess along with his wife Louise Hawthorne: Soprano, Principle Drummer for Baba Olatunji, Bernice Johnson, Clark Center & Alvin Ailey Dance Studios. Principal musician for Broadway musical Timbuktu. Drummer for Trailblazer, Pearl Primus and Katherine Dunham. To name a few |
| Notable work | Completed CD/Albums: Chief Bey & Ife Olofi, Taboo Chief Bey and his Royal Household 1959, Congo Percussion 1960, Hamiet Bluiett Dangerous Suite. Daughter’s website below. |
| Website | www.africandanceaz.org |
James Hawthorne (April 17, 1913 – April 8, 2004), also known as James Hawthorne Bey and Chief Bey, was an American jazz percussionist and vocalist, a visual artist and folklorist of African traditions. He was also ordained in Nigeria as a Shango Priest.