Andy Kirk

Andy Kirk (May 28, 1898 - 1992) was a jazz bass saxophonist. He started his musical career playing with George Morrison's band, but then went on to join Terrence Holder's Dark Clouds of Joy. In 1929 he was elected leader after Holder departed. Renaming themselves Twelve Clouds of Joy they set up in the Pla-Mor Ballroom on the junction of 32nd and Main in Kansas City and made their first recording for Brunswick Records that same year. Mary Lou Williams came in as pianist at the last moment, but she impressed Brunswick's Dave Kapp, so she became a regular member of the band. She became the arranger for the band.

Whilst maintaining their base in Kansas City they achieved national recognition with hits like Until the Real thing Comes Along in 1936 and toured both the east and west coasts. But after Mary Lou Williams left in 1942 the band lost some of its popularity. The band dissolved in 1948, but Kirk was still playing into the sixties. Other musicians in the band included Fats Navarro (trumpet), Howard McGhee (trumpet), Charlie Parker (alto saxophone) and Eddie Davis (tenor Saxophone).