Biography
Dicky Wells stood out among swing-era trombonists for his bold approach and singular voice on the instrument. His somewhat innovative method produced a conversational delivery rich in expressive nuance, wit, and rhythmic momentum. Although recognition arrived with Count Basie in 1938, Wells had already spent a decade as a leading performer. Relocating to New York in 1926, he recorded with Cecil Scott, delivering especially comedic results on “In a Corner,” and with Spike Hughes while also appearing alongside Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, and Teddy Hill; an extended European visit with Hill yielded extensive sessions.
The Basie intervals of 1938–1945 and 1947–1950 brought wider notice, most memorably through his accompaniments for vocalist Jimmy Rushing. Later decades proved comparatively subdued, yet included further work with Rushing, gatherings of Basie alumni, European outings beside Buck Clayton, a 1961–1963 engagement with Ray Charles, and scattered appearances such as the 1957 television program The Sound of Jazz. Alcoholism and waning technique after roughly 1965 compelled daytime employment as a messenger, though Wells completed his memoir The Night People and returned briefly to record a final album in 1981.
The Basie intervals of 1938–1945 and 1947–1950 brought wider notice, most memorably through his accompaniments for vocalist Jimmy Rushing. Later decades proved comparatively subdued, yet included further work with Rushing, gatherings of Basie alumni, European outings beside Buck Clayton, a 1961–1963 engagement with Ray Charles, and scattered appearances such as the 1957 television program The Sound of Jazz. Alcoholism and waning technique after roughly 1965 compelled daytime employment as a messenger, though Wells completed his memoir The Night People and returned briefly to record a final album in 1981.
Albums
