John Kuhn

[Paul Scott]

I found a short bio in the form of a Conn ad from 1923 stating that "Kuhn is a graduate of Carlisle University and has seen service as a trooper in the Northwestern Mounted Police". Bierley's book "The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa" states that Kuhn performed for their 1915 tour; possibly tours in 1917 and 1918; 1919-1920 tour. After that he performed for Kryl's Band, Conway's Band, (both "pick-up" concert bands) and after that with Isham Jones' Orchestra in Chicago, (popular dance band) probably from about 1921 or so. I believe that Jones relocated the band to the west coast in the late 20's and it appears that Kuhn remained in Chicago at that time. He made a great recording of "Copenhagen" and another tune with a group led by Elmer Schoebel around 1929. It's on the "Red Hot Jazz" site which I can't seem to access right now.
Kuhn played for the radio stations in Chicago into the 1930s. The late, great trombonist Al Lube had heard him there and said his tuba playing sounded just like a string bass. Paul Bierley writes that he died in July of 1962 and I've heard rumors that he was in California at that time.

A while back I saw a movie from the 40's-wish I could remember the title,the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra appeared in it-and I'm very sure that Kuhn appears in a scene with an augmented Dorsey orchestra. The player resembled Kuhn and also was playing his characteristic "bell-up" sousa. Don Harry knows quite a bit about John Kuhn and perhaps will chime in at some point. Hope this is helpful.