Beiderbecke, (Leon) Bix

(born March 10, 1903, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.—died Aug. 6, 1931, Long Island, N.Y.) U.S. jazz cornetist and composer. Beiderbecke developed a style independent of the influence of Louis Armstrong and became the leading player of the Chicago style of jazz in the 1920s. He was noted for his gentle, clear tone and introspective approach. His interest in the harmonies of composers such as Claude Debussy was reflected in both his playing and his compositions. With saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer, Beiderbecke worked in the bands of Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman. His alcoholism and early death contributed to his status as one of the early romantic legends of jazz.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica