Bix Beiderbecke

Beiderbecke, Bix (Leon Bismarck Beiderbecke; 1903–31), U.S. jazz musician. An accomplished pianist and brilliant cornetist, he joined the renowned Paul Whiteman band in 1928. Despite his early death through alcoholism and general ill health, he was a major innovator in the development of jazz.

See also: Jazz.