b : December 31, 1908 in Baltimore (USA)d : June 14, 1952 in Hollywood (USA)Originally a trombone / tuba player, John Kirby switched with success to bass in 1930 in the Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.He gained success in the end of the '30s with his own sextet, previously named %22The Onyx Club Boys%22, with occasional vocals provided by his (at this time) wife Maxine Sullivan.After World War II his career declined and he died before a planned comeback.