Mike Bryan (musician)
| Mike Bryan | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michael Neely Bryan |
| Born |
August 9, 1916 Byhalia, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | August 20, 1972 (aged 56) Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | Jazz, swing, big band |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1934–1972 |
| Associated acts | Benny Goodman |
Michael Neely Bryan (August 9, 1916 – August 20, 1972) was an American jazz guitarist.
Mike Bryan was a self-taught guitarist born in Byhalia, Mississippi on August 9, 1916. Bryan is best known for his time playing with Benny Goodman and his contribution to a series of television documentaries sponsored by the Goodyear Tire Company featuring jazz musicians.
Bryan began his career playing in the Memphis area until 1935 when he joined Red Nichols in Chicago. After that, he led his own band in Greenwood, Mississippi from 1938 to 1939. From November 1940 until May 1941, Bryan worked with Benny Goodman and played with the big bands of Bob Chester, Jan Savitt, and Artie Shaw until he joined the United States Army from March 1942 until November 1944.
In December 1942, author Ursula Parrott became the subject of national coverage when she was brought up on Federal charges of attempting to help Bryan escape from the Miami Beach Army stockade. However, she was found innocent by the jury at her trial.
After his time in the military, Bryan worked with some emerging bebop musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker in their small groups. He rejoined Benny Goodman from January 1945 until September 1946 and recorded with both the sextet and the orchestra. Bryan spent several years doing studio work in California. In addition he produced a series of foreign television documentaries for the Goodyear Tire Company featuring jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
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