Texas born Eddie Durham (August 19, 1906) invented, amplified and played electric guitar and trombone. He started out with The Durham Brothers Orchestra and The Oklahoma Blue Devils, his magic as a musician, arranger and composer provided the pedestal of compositions and arrangements imperative to the survival of such big band leaders. He wrote and/or arranged for Bennie Moten, Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Andy Kirk, Jan Savitt, Willie Bryant, The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Billie Holiday and Glenn Miller. Durham's 'amplifed guitar' recording predate the debut of Charlie Christian by one year, whom Durham mentored.

It's been learned that Eddie as well as Count Basie were recruited by Bennie Moten when Moten's band lost a battle of the bands to the George E. Lee Band.

For John Hammond, Eddie recorded the Kansas City Five sessions featuring the electric guitar. He won the American Poll for his guitar solo on "Honey Keep Your Mind on Me" (Lunceford); he is inducted into both the NARAS and American Jazz Hall of Fame. Durham appeared in films "Born to Swing" and "Last of the Blue Devils". His compositions include Topsy (co-written with Edgar Battle), Good Morning Blues, Swingin the Blues, Sent for You Yesterday (co-written with Basie), I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire, Lafayette, Wham! Re Bop Boom Bam, Sliphorn Jive, Luncefords Special, Glenn Island Special, Johns Idea, Magic Carpet (and uncredited for Motens Swing and One O'Clock Jump). Durham's Arrangements include Glenn Miller's Bluebird recording of "In The Mood".