William Gary “Bunk” Johnson

William Gary “Bunk” Johnson (1879-1949) was a New Orleans native and prominently recognized as a jazz trumpeter of the early 20th century. He enjoyed regained popularity in the 1940s.

Early Years
Bunk received lessons from Adam Olivier and began his professional career in Olivier’s orchestra. He also played with Buddy Bolden but was not a regular with his band. Between 1905-1915, Bunk was recognized as one of the top trumpeters in New Orleans and often left town to tour with minstrel’s shows and circus bands. In 1915, he failed to appear for a Mardi Gras gig and the Krewe members were mad enough to want to cause bodily harm, so he stayed on the road and eventually settled in New Iberia, LA. In 1931, he lost his teeth and trumpet in a dance hall fight in Rayne, LA and this violence put an end to his music career.

Career Revival
The writers of the first book of jazz history, Jazzmen, interviewed Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Clarence Williams who all greatly admired Bunk. The authors tracked down Bunk, who stated he could play again if only he had teeth and a new trumpet. Writers and musicians took up a collection for Bunk, and he was fitted with dentures and given a new trumpet. In 1942, he produced his first recordings. These recording attracted a large following, and Bunk toured with his band through the country. The 1940s recordings were testament to his great imagination, subtlety, and beauty as a musician, but his uncontrollable temperament and unpredictability due to alcoholic over intoxication made him difficult to work with and cost him early fame.