DAVENPORT, IOWA (March 5, 2020) — The Bix Beiderbecke Museum and World Archives is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new artifact.
One of the saxophones owned by jazz musician and best friend of Bix Beiderbecke, Don Murray, has been donated to the Bix Museum.
Liz Beiderbecke-Hart, Bix Board member stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives, I wish to formally thank Justice Tom Harris Jr for his generous donation of his Great Uncle Don Murray’s saxophone. It has been in the possession of Don Murray’s parents, and subsequently, his sister’s family since Don’s death in 1929, five days shy of his 25th birthday. This priceless artifact of such historical significance will be displayed, with honor, at the Museum for fans of these two best friends to enjoy in perpetuity."
The tenor saxophone was manufactured in 1923 by CG Conn in Elkhorn, Indiana. It was part of their New Wonder Series I line of saxophones and is covered in intricate engravings. The saxophone will be on display in the Bix Museum later in the year after it undergoes cleaning. The plan is to have it ready for the Annual Bix Jazz Festival this June if funding allows.
“Our family is very happy that Don’s saxophone has found a home in the Bix Beiderbecke Museum. Don and Bix were such good friends, and they shared a natural gift for creating and playing joyful music.” said donor, Tom Harris Jr. “We congratulate the efforts of the Bix Museum to ensure their music lives on.”
The Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archive opened to the public in 2017 at the River Music Experience in downtown Davenport, Iowa. The free museum honors the life and music of Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke and features many original artifacts related to Beiderbecke and his colleagues, like Don Murray. The museum takes the visitor chronologically through the life of Bix. His jazz music is featured throughout the museum, along with videos, interactive displays, and photos.
About the Museum
The Bix Beiderbecke Museum is in the lower level of the River Music Experience at 2nd and Main Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa. The museum is open Monday to Friday, 10AM-5PM, and Saturday by appointment only. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.bixmuseum.org.
