In 1930, (some accounts say 1928) Bechet faced another major legal setback. The details are murky and have never been officially confirmed but historians say a shootout took place between Bechet and banjoist Gilbert “Little Mike” McKenzie. Apparently, during a set, McKenzie accused Bechet of playing an incorrect chord. This prompted Bechet to challenge McKenzie to a gun duel which left a woman and another musician injured.
Bechet was jailed for 10 months and deported to New York, but returned to Europe eventually. In 1949, Bechet garnered even more accolades after playing alongside Charlie Parker at the International Jazz Festival in Paris.
However, his career slowed considerably when he permanently relocated to France. Lung cancer and it affected his playing and that, along with his notorious temperament slowed his bookings.
Bechet died in 1959 at the age of 62 while living in France.
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Little Known Black History Month: Sidney Bechet was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
