Degree Name

Department

Music

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Defense Date

2026-02-24

Publication Date

2026-03-06

First Faculty Advisor

Myrna Layton

First Faculty Reader

Brian Harker

Honors Coordinator

Neil Thornock

Keywords

hot jazz, red nichols, cornet, biography, utah

Abstract

This thesis examines Utah-born hot jazz cornetist Ernest “Red” Nichols’ early life through a biographical lens. Using resources that include the University of Utah Historical Newspaper Database, the thesis provides details about Nichols’ childhood as a performer, and as the son of Utah music professor and clarinetist Ernest W. Nichols. These details include information on tours and performances Red and his siblings performed across the state of Utah. Additionally, the thesis argues that the music Nichols played throughout his childhood, including on his tours, was highly influential on the style of solo playing Nichols used in his early recording career. Elements of cornet virtuoso music are clear in solos Nichols takes on recordings from 1924-1927.