Biography
Walter Fuller’s path in music began not with the sort of parental pedigree that might echo a chart-topping title like “Son of a Preacher Man,” but rather as the offspring of a mellophone player—an origin story that nevertheless launched the long career of this jazz and dance-band trumpeter and singer. Because the arranger and composer Gil Fuller was born with the same legal name, the two men have often been mistaken for one another. Fuller’s professional life actually commenced in a circuit older than the jazz ensembles that would later define him: at fourteen he first toured with medicine shows. Within a few years he had joined Sammy Stewart’s organization, remaining until 1930, after which he moved to Chicago and signed on with Irene Eadie and Her Vogue Vagabonds.
The decisive chapter opened in 1931 when Fuller entered the employ of pianist and bandleader Earl Hines, the association that would prove most consequential for his jazz work. He spent six years in that unit before transferring briefly to Horace Henderson’s group; twelve months later he returned to Hines, staying through the autumn of 1940. At that point Fuller launched his own band, appearing at Chicago’s Grand Terrace and, later, at the Radio Room in Los Angeles. The 1944 California residency prompted a permanent relocation to San Diego within two years, where he continued to front his own ensemble. For roughly twelve seasons the Club Royal served as his regular base. While maintaining his trumpet work, Fuller also accepted occasional solo vocal engagements, remaining in San Diego until his death at ninety-three.
The decisive chapter opened in 1931 when Fuller entered the employ of pianist and bandleader Earl Hines, the association that would prove most consequential for his jazz work. He spent six years in that unit before transferring briefly to Horace Henderson’s group; twelve months later he returned to Hines, staying through the autumn of 1940. At that point Fuller launched his own band, appearing at Chicago’s Grand Terrace and, later, at the Radio Room in Los Angeles. The 1944 California residency prompted a permanent relocation to San Diego within two years, where he continued to front his own ensemble. For roughly twelve seasons the Club Royal served as his regular base. While maintaining his trumpet work, Fuller also accepted occasional solo vocal engagements, remaining in San Diego until his death at ninety-three.