Saxophonist, tuba player and band leader Andy Kirk was born in Newport, Kentucky on this date in 1898, but grew up in Denver where his music teacher was Paul Whiteman’s father. In the 1920’s Kirk was playing in the Dallas-based territory band “The Dark Clouds of Joy” led by Terrence Holder.  When Holder left in 1929 the members elected Andy Kirk as their new leader.  He moved the band’s home base to Kansas City and renamed them the “Twelve Clouds of Joy,” and hired pianist Mary Lou Williams as their staff arranger.

By 1936 the band had produced a hit record, Until the Real Thing Comes Along, and they were playing more gigs in the Northeast United States than in the south and Midwest. They often played at Harlem’s famous Savoy Ballroom, and in 1939 they took over as the house band at the Cotton Club, following the Cab Calloway orchestra who had taken over from Duke Ellington eight years earlier. Unfortunately, it was a rather brief residency as the club had to close in 1940 due to tax issues.

Kirk continued to lead successful bands throughout the 1940s featuring such artists as Don Byas, Howard McGhee and Shorty Baker. The Clouds of Joy eventually disbanded in 1948, following which Andy pursued a number of occupations including hotel management, real estate and as a musician’s union official in New York City.  Andy Kirk passed away at the age of 94 in December of 1992.

Here is a link to their 1936 hit record Until the Real Thing Comes Along:

"UNTIL THE REAL THING COMES ALONG"