Dick Wellstood

Dick Wellstood stood out in the 1940s as one of the two leading stride pianists, paired with Ralph Sutton, at a time when most musicians of his age group favored bebop. He remained receptive to newer approaches—he held particular affection for Monk—yet reached his peak when performing classic jazz. Slightly more understated than Sutton, Wellstood still delivered forceful playing and earned recognition as an outstanding interpreter of James P. Johnson and the stride composers of that era. He arrived in New York in 1946 alongside Bob Wilber’s Wildcats and quickly established himself in the traditional jazz community. By the following year he was working with Sidney Bechet, and throughout the 1950s he appeared regularly with established figures such as trumpeters Roy Eldridge, Rex Stewart, and Charlie Shavers, as well as members of the Eddie Condon circle. Beginning in 1956 he performed in the intermission band at Condon’s and later served as house pianist at both the Metropole and Nick’s. After a stint in Gene Krupa’s quartet he joined the touring lineup of the World’s Greatest Jazz Band. Wellstood stayed busy for the remainder of his abbreviated career, presenting solo recitals, appearing at jazz gatherings, and producing numerous notable recordings.