Cuba Austin

Cuba Austin (1906 – 1961) was an American jazz drummer.

Cuba Austin
Born	1906 Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.
Died	1961 (aged 54–55)
Genres	Jazz
Instruments	Drums

Early life

Austin was born in Charleston, West Virginia.^[1]

Career

In 1926, Austin became a member of Bill McKinney's group, McKinney's Cotton Pickers.^[1][2] Austin joined the group after its formation, taking over from McKinney himself on drums.^[1] The group recorded frequently, both under the names Cotton Pickers and Chocolate Dandies.^[3]

In 1931, the Cotton Pickers split into two ensembles, with Austin heading one of them, which took the name, The Original Cotton Pickers.^[1] When he disbanded this group in 1934, he moved to Baltimore and worked on his own,^[1] as well as in an orchestra with Rivers Chambers.^[3]

Austin was an influential figure in early jazz; Gene Krupa called Austin one of his major influences.^[3] Austin was one of the first drummers to use the newly invented hi hat in hot and swing jazz.^[3]