John Kirby

US jazz bassist (* December 31, 1908 in Winchester, VA, USA; † June 14, 1952 in Hollywood, USA). Originally a trombone/tuba player, John Kirby switched with success to bass in 1930 in Fletcher Henderson's orchestra. He gained success in the end of the 1930s with his own sextet, previously named The Onyx Club Boys, with occasional vocals provided by his (at this time) wife Maxine Sullivan. After World War II, his career declined and he died before a planned comeback.