Bolden's playing style was extremely popular. At one point he played with eight bands at one time.

But by 1906 Bolden's mental health had started to deteriorate and the next year, after attacking his mother and mother-in-law in the street, he was committed to a mental hospital outside New Orleans.

Bolden remained in the mental hospital until his death 24 years later.

Pete King, the co-founder of the Ronnie Scott's club, said; "Bolden might have had schizophrenia, but that doesn't take away from his incredible talent."