Josh Duffee

Josh Duffee was born in Louie Bellson’s hometown of Moline, Illinois, and now resides across the river in Bix Beiderbecke’s hometown of Davenport, Iowa. He’s a very versatile musician, specializing in drumming and xylophone playing from the 1920s to the 1940s, while also performing a variety of other styles of music. He has been performing professionally for the past 20+ years, along with teaching private percussion lessons to middle and high school students. Josh has been a featured musician at jazz festivals and events all over the world. He has toured England and Australia multiple times, while also being featured at venues all over the United States.

Josh keeps busy as the leader of many groups in the Davenport area, including The Graystone Monarchs (a 10-piece hot dance band performing music from the 20s and 30s), Josh Duffee & His Orchestra (a 12-piece big band performing music from the 30s and 40s), The Josh Duffee Jazz Trio (performing music from the 20s, 30s and 40s), and The Blackhawk Broadcasters (a 4-piece jazz ensemble performing music from the 20s to the 60s).

Over the years, Josh has received awards and recognition from jazz festivals and organizations for his dedication and hard work with early jazz music. Some of his awards include The Jean Goldkette Award of Excellence from The Jean Goldkette Foundation, a Special Recognition Award from The Detroit Jazz Festival for honoring the music and tradition of the Jean Goldkette Orchestra, and the Bix Lives Award from the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives in Davenport, Iowa.

Performed in: 2022, 2021