- Born
- Died
- Birth nameErnest Loring Nichols
- Red Nichols was born on May 8, 1905 in Ogden, Utah, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Sweet and Lowdown (1999), Bullets Over Broadway (1994) and The Five Pennies (1959). He was married to Willa Stutsman. He died on June 28, 1965 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- SpouseWilla Stutsman(? - June 28, 1965) (his death, 1 child)
- Nichols was best known as leader of 'The Five Pennies', which, despite the name, usually featured at least eight instruments. His sidemen included some of the best white jazz musicians of the 20's and 30's, including Joe Venuti, Miff Mole, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, Gene Krupa and Glenn Miller.
- Was much influenced by Bix Beiderbeck.
- His career was resuscitated -- long after the big band era had run its course -- due to a sentimental biopic based on his life, The Five Pennies (1959), starring Danny Kay. Afterwards, Nichols continued to lead 'The Five Pennies' on overseas tours and at prestige venues across the United States.
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Taught by his father, he started playing bugle at four, cornet at twelve. He was featured in his father's brass band before enrolling at Culver Military Academy on a scholarship in 1919.
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