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David Alexander[1] (November 25, 1899 – November 17, 1947)[2] known as Black Ivory King was an American blues and boogie-woogie pianist, best known for his original version of the then popular train blues song, "The Flying Crow".[3]
Black Ivory King | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | David Alexander |
| Born | November 25, 1899 Stamps, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | November 17, 1947 (aged 47) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues, boogie-woogie |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | 1930s–1940s |
| Labels | Decca Records |
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He was born in Stamps, Arkansas, and his birthplace later received a mention in one of his own recordings. Black Ivory King later relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, although the exact date of his move is not known.[2] A common link between those locations was the Louisiana and Arkansas Railway, which he traveled on when leaving Shreveport.[4] His best known song was "The Flying Crow", and it included a poetic version of the train timetable between Port Arthur, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.[3] The railroad track went on to New Orleans.[5] "The Flying Crow" became a requested tune for Shreveport area musicians to play,[2] with evidence that Black Ivory King wrote and recorded the definitive version.[3]
Black Ivory King as a nickname came from his known preference for playing the black keys on the piano. The likely explanation being that he sometimes worked within a band set-up, and horn players favour using the keys of A, A♭, and E♭. Three of King's recordings were in those keys.[2] Black Ivory King recorded only four songs for Decca Records, which were waxed in Dallas, Texas, on February 15, 1937.[2] One of those sides was "Working for The PWA", an updated version of the earlier track, "Red Cross Store Blues".[3] Black Ivory King must have been aware of part of Blind Lemon Jefferson's work, as his recording of "Match Box Blues" included some of the latter musician's verses.[5]
Following his brief recording session, Black Ivory King moved on again eventually settling in Los Angeles.[2] Little is known of his existence thereafter, although in February 1942 his draft card showed him as being 5'6 foot, and weighing 147 pounds. After the war he worked as a musician in the Tip Top Bar Room in Los Angeles.[2]
Black Ivory King died on November 17, 1947, due to pulmonary disease, indicating he had suffered from tuberculosis.[2]
Black Ivory King's piano playing was linked to the "Santa Fe Group", named after touring musicians utilising the Santa Fe, Texas, freight trains.[3][6]
The blues musician Dave Alexander (1938–2012) was named for his father's best friend, David Alexander (Black Ivory King).[1]
The lyrics to "The Flying Crow" were printed in a publication released in 1993.[7]
78rpm singles
Compilation album
- 1994: Black Boy Shine & Black Ivory King 1936-1937, (Document) (This collection had 18 sides recorded by Black Boy Shine, plus four accredited to Black Ivory King.[9]
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