12 Jazz Nicknames And The Stories Behind Them

From "jazz royalty" to food obsessions, Jazz musicians' nicknames tell the story of the charismatic artists. This is not a comprehensive list, of course, but a few of the tales we liked most.

1. Joseph Nathan "King" Olvier

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A royal moniker given to him for his status among New Orleans cornet players.

2. Frank "Chairman of the Board" Sinatra

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Sinatra founded and was President of Reprise Records in 1960.

3. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington

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A title bestowed upon him for his poise and style.

4. William "Count" Basie

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A self-appointed rank for a man who himself became a part of the "jazz royalty."

5. Meade "Lux" Lewis

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Another musician with royal aspirations, he allegedly called himself the "Duke of Luxembourg" as a child.

6. John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie

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Gillespie made his fans "dizzy" with his musicianship and larger-than-life personality.

7. Julian Edwin "Cannonball" Adderley

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In high school he was nicknamed "Cannibal" for his insatiable appetite. It is believed that "Cannonball" evolved from a mishearing of that first nickname.

8. Sarah "Sassy" Vaughan

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Given to reflect her sense of humor.

9. Gene "Honey Bear" Sedric

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For a large camelhair coat he wore.

10. Dinah "Queen of the Jukeboxes" Washington

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For her outstanding and color-barrier breaking success on Jukebox charts.

11. Jeff "Tain" Watts

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While on a roadtrip through Florida, Kenny Kirkland noted a "Chieftain Gas" and dubbed his friend Jeff "Tain."

12. Charlie "Bird" Parker Jr.

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For his love of chicken.