Dave Brubeck’s Day

Here's all you need to know about Dave Brubeck’s Day. From best activities to amazing facts that will blow your mind.

Introduction

One fantastic informal holiday is Dave Brubeck Day which falls on May 4. Jazz lovers worldwide, especially those in the United States, honor this legendary artist. Dave Brubeck - is one of the foremost pioneers of cool jazz.

Rather than the usual celebration of death/birth anniversary - May 4 is the official day for Dave Brubeck.

Interestingly, it references Brubeck's famous recording “Take Five,” which has an unusual quintuple time also because the standard date format in the United States is 5/4.

Do you know that Dave Brubeck is the second jazz artist ever to be featured on the cover of “Times”?

Get yourself ready as we celebrate one of the famous pioneers of cool jazz

History Of Dave Brubeck

The legendary jazz artist Dave Brubeck was born on December 6, 1920, in the San Francisco Bay Area in Concord, California. He was born to Peter Howard Brubeck and Elizabeth. His father was a cattle rancher, while his mother was a piano teacher.

Dave did not intend to go the music way with two older brothers - Henry and Howard, already musicians. He was somewhat interested in being like his father, a cattle rancher.

Although he took piano lessons from his mother, Dave could not read music during his early years of music lessons. This was majorly due to his poor eyesight, but he was so good that he could fake it.

He went on to study veterinary medicine at the College of Pacific due to his plans to follow his father's path. He could not carry on with this and was the head of zoology to change paths. He went on to study music.

When his poor eyesight was discovered by one of his professors, Dave was almost expelled from school. His saving grace was his ability to write harmony and counterpoint. However, he did have to promise never to teach piano.

After graduation, Dave was drafted into the United States Army. He was later spared from combat service and ordered to form a band. This was due to his display of talent at a Red Cross show. He created The Wolfpack, one of the first racially integrated bands.

During his time in the army, Dave met Paul Desmond, a saxophonist, and composer. They created “The Dave Brubeck Quartet,” which rose to fame.

Critical Moments in Dave Brubeck's History

1951

Dave Brubeck Quartet

Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond organize the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

1954

Brubeck’s Debut

Dave Brubeck's debut with Columbia Records, “Jazz Goes to College.”

1954

Time’s Feature

Dave Brubeck appears on the cover of “Times.”

1959

Album Release

Dave Brubeck Quartet releases an album, “Time Out.”

How To Celebrate Dave Brubeck’s Day

1. Make a playlist.

You can create a special Dave Brubeck playlist on Spotify. Listen to this while you enjoy your relaxed holiday.

2. Take a piano lesson

Search your local area for a piano lesson. You can also take one online. This is one of the great ways to celebrate this jazz legend.

3. Have a concert

You can organize your mini-concert with a few Dave Brubeck lovers. If that is too much of a hassle, you can search around for any concert being observed in his honor.

5 Facts About Dave Brubeck That Will Blow Your Mind

#1

He could not read music

Because of his poor eyesight, Dave could not read music.

#2

Second jazz musician on Time’s cover

Dave Brubeck was the second jazz artist to be featured on the cover of “Times.”

#3

His materials were destroyed

In 2008, Dave Brubeck’s materials were destroyed in a Universal Studios fire.

#4

Grammy lifetime achievement award

Dave Brubeck received the Grammy lifetime achievement award in 1996.

#5

California hall of fame

Dave Brubeck was inducted into the California hall of fame in 2008.

Why We Love Dave Brubeck Day

A. Legendary musician appreciation

Incredibly, we get to celebrate this talented musician. Every great artist's work deserves a certain level of appreciation.

B. Gives the feeling of nostalgia

As time passes, we all love something that can help us connect/remember the past. This informal day is a great way to soak up memories of the past.

C. Music is fun

Listening to music is a fun pastime. Dave Brubeck’s day is a great day to relax and enjoy fantastic music pieces. You can have a blast with your friends, fellow Dave Brubeck lovers, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Dave Brubeck pass away?

Yes, Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5, 2012. He died of heart failure a day before his birthday.

Where did Dave Brubeck go to college?

He studied music at the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He also studied composition at Mills College in Oakland, California. Dave Brubeck also attended the Pacific Academy of Music.

Was Dave Brubeck a progressive jazz musician?

Yes, he was. He is acknowledged as one of the foremost pioneers of progressive jazz; Celebration of his works occur worldwide