Panama's Story: My History as a Jazz Drummer

INTRODUCTION My name is David Albert Francis. However, I am known in the music world as “Panama” Francis, a name that was given to me by Roy Eldridge when I joined his band in 1939. I was born in Miami, Florida, on December 21, 1918, four days short of becoming a Christmas present to my parents. I must tell you that I am a stutterer. Sometime, when I get excited or try to make a point, my voice goes up about two octaves. I come across to some people as being angry but, believe me, this [wha...