Who was Bix Beiderbecke? Death details explored as 51st Quad-City Times Bix 7 2025 race to be held in honor of Jazz musician 

Bix Beiderbecke was a famous jazz musician born in Davenport, Iowa, who passed away on August 6, 1931, in Queens, New York, at the age of 28. His death was officially linked to lobar pneumonia, but alcohol addiction and poor health are known to have played a key role.

The city of Davenport now honors him each year. On July 26, 2025, the 51st Quad‑City Times Bix 7 race will be held in his honor. It is a seven‑mile road race through the downtown streets of Davenport. The race brings thousands of runners and fans. It is filled with live bands and cheering crowds. The race starts at 8 AM at the base of Brady Street Hill and ends at a big post‑race party near the Mississippi River. It is a major event that combines sport and jazz heritage.

The life and demise of Bix Beiderbecke

Leon Bix Beiderbecke was born on March 10, 1903, in Davenport, Iowa. He taught himself to play the cornet and piano. He had a warm, pure tone and a unique style. He recorded songs like “Davenport Blues," “In a Mist,” and “Singin’ the Blues” that became jazz classics.

He rose to fame in the 1920s. First, he joined the Wolverines in Chicago around 1924. Then he played with Jean Goldkette’s band and later joined Paul Whiteman’s orchestra. These were big opportunities. But during this time, his drinking grew worse, and his health began to fail.

The reports by Iowa PBS state that on the evening of August 6, 1931, in his apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, Bix suffered a severe episode. A tenant, George Kraslow, heard him shout that strangers were hiding under his bed. When Kraslow checked, Bix collapsed into his arms and died soon after. A doctor arrived, but it was too late.

The official cause of death was lobar pneumonia. Many experts believe that years of heavy drinking weakened him. Some say the heat and lack of sleep in New York worsened his condition. There has been speculation about potentially tainted alcohol during Prohibition, but nothing was proven. His family brought his body back to Davenport. Funeral services were held on August 11, 1931. He was buried in the family plot at Oakdale Cemetery.

More details about the Bix 7 race

Every year since 1975, Davenport has held the Bix 7 seven‑mile race to honor Bix Beiderbecke. It usually takes place in late July. It draws 12,000 to 18,000 runners from across the country. It is called the Quad‑City Times Bix 7 and precedes the Bix Jazz Festival held the next weekend.

The 51st Bix 7 race is set for Saturday morning, July 26, 2025. This year’s race starts at 8 AM downtown. A two‑mile fun run called the Prairie Farms Quick Bix goes up the same hill. Runners can pick which race to run on race day morning.

Live music lines the route. Local bands play along the course to keep runners pumped. After the finish line, a big party is held in the Quad‑City Times parking area. It is a long‑time tradition that honors Bix’s hometown spirit and love of music.

Officials have said safety is a priority. On race morning, any threat from the weather will be monitored. In case of heavy rain or lightning, officials may delay the start time for the runner and fan safety.

The Bix 7 race links music history and athletic events. It is not just about running. It is also about remembering a young jazz man, Bix Beiderbecke, who came from Davenport and left a mark on the world of music.

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