Eddie Shu: The Versatile Virtuoso of Jazz
In the rich tapestry of American jazz, few musicians possessed the eclectic range of Eddie Shu (born Edward Shulman). A true multi-instrumentalist and entertainer, Shu did not limit himself to a single sound. While he is primarily remembered as a jazz musician, his talents spanned a wide array of instruments and performance arts, making him a unique figure in the mid-century music scene.
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Key Facts
- Full Name: Edward Shulman (professionally known as Eddie Shu).
- Instruments: Saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, harmonica, and accordion.
- Notable Collaborations: Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton, and Louis Armstrong's All-Stars.
- Unique Skill: He was a trained comedic ventriloquist.
- Active Years: From the 1940s until his death in 1986.
Early Life and Diverse Beginnings
Born on August 18, 1918, in New York City, Shu's musical journey began with the violin and guitar. However, as a teenager, he transitioned to the saxophone, which would become one of his primary voices in the jazz world. His professional career launched in 1935 in Brooklyn, where he initially blended music with variety entertainment.
Before his military service, Shu spent seven years immersed in the world of vaudeville—a genre of variety entertainment popular in the early 20th century. During this era, he performed as a ventriloquist in nightclubs and showcased his skills as a harmonica player with the Cappy Barra Harmonica Band.
Military Service and Post-War Ascent
From 1942 to 1945, Shu served in the United States Army. Even during wartime, his musical contributions continued; he enlisted alongside Stan Harper in a unit dedicated to entertaining troops. While stationed in the Pacific, he performed with Maurice Evans.
Following his discharge, Shu entered a prolific period, collaborating with some of the most influential names in jazz. Between 1947 and 1958, he performed with Tadd Dameron, George Shearing, Johnny Bothwell, Buddy Rich, and Les Elgart. He spent significant time with Lionel Hampton from 1949 to 1950, including high-profile appearances at the Cavalcade of Jazz concerts at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles and Lane Field in San Diego.
His partnership with legendary drummer Gene Krupa was particularly enduring, spanning from 1954 to 1958.
Later Years and the Florida Era
In the 1960s, Shu relocated to Florida. While settling into the local scene, he continued to work with jazz royalty, reuniting with Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton, and performing with Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. In 1980, he joined the vocal jazz group Rare Silk, touring with them in Boulder, Colorado, and participating in a Department of Defense tour.
His final recorded contribution was the project "Shu-Swings," recorded with the Joe Delaney Trio. Eddie Shu passed away on July 4, 1986, in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 67.
The Cuban Connection and Legal Dispute
Shu's life also intersected with the political turmoil of Cuba. In 1957, he was part of a group of jazz musicians—including Kenny Drew and Philly Joe Jones—who traveled to Havana to exchange musical ideas at venues like the Tropicana and Havana 1900, funded by the Jazz Cuban Club.
This period later became the subject of a legal battle. Carol Shulman, Shu's widow, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against actor Andy García and others. She claimed that the film The Lost City stole her husband's identity, alleging that the character's story mirrored Eddie Shu's own experience of being exiled from Cuba in 1958 after the rise of Fidel Castro due to his exercise of freedom of expression.
Career Summary and Discography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Instruments | Saxophone, Clarinet, Trumpet |
| Secondary Instruments | Harmonica, Accordion, Violin, Guitar |
| Key Bands | Cappy Barra Harmonica Band, Rare Silk, Gene Krupa Quartet |
| Leader Album | I Only Have Eyes For Shu (1955) |
| Notable Sideman Work | The Rocking Mr. Krupa, Jazz at the Philharmonic |
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments did Eddie Shu play?
Eddie Shu was a versatile musician who played the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, harmonica, and accordion. In his childhood, he also learned the violin and guitar.
Was Eddie Shu only a musician?
No, Shu was also a comedic ventriloquist and performed in vaudeville and nightclubs early in his career.
Which famous jazz artists did Eddie Shu collaborate with?
He performed with a wide array of legends, including Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Rich, and George Shearing.
What was the nature of the lawsuit involving the film The Lost City?
His widow, Carol Shulman, sued Andy García and others, claiming the film misappropriated Eddie Shu's identity and his history of being exiled from Cuba in 1958.
When and where did Eddie Shu die?
Eddie Shu died on July 4, 1986, in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 67.