Putney Dandridge

Infobox musical artist
Name = Putney Dandridge


Img_capt = Putney Dandridge, 1935-1936 compilation
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Louis Dandridge
Alias =
Born = January 13, 1902
Died = February 15, 1946
Origin = flagicon|USARichmond, Virginia
Instrument = Piano
Vocals
Voice_type =
Genre = Jazz
Occupation = Pianist
Vocalist
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Label =
Associated_acts = Lonnie Johnson
URL =
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Louis "Putney" Dandridge (January 13, 1902 – February 15, 1946) was an American bandleader, jazz pianist and vocalist. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Dandridge began performing in 1918 as a pianist in the a revue entitled "the Drake and Walker Show". In 1930, he worked for a time as accompanist for legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, including appearances in the important black musical "Brown Buddies" [Stearns, Marshall & Jean. "Jazz Dance: The Story of American Vernacular Dance". Page 155. Da Capo Press, 1994.] After touring in Illinois and the Great Lakes region, Dandridge settled in Cleveland, Ohio, forming his own band, which included famed guitarist Lonnie Johnson [Sallis, James. "The Guitar Players: One Instrument and Its Masters in American Music". Page 44. University of Nebraska Press, 1994] . This period lasted until 1934, when he attempted to perform as a solo act. He took his show to New York City, beginning a series of long residences at the Hickory House on 52nd Street and other local clubs. From 1935 to 1936, he recorded numerous sides under his own name, many of which highlighted some major jazz talents of the period, including Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Henry "Red" Allen, Buster Bailey, John Kirby, Chu Berry, Cozy Cole and more. Appearing to vanish from the music scene in the late thirties, it is speculated that Dandridge may have been forced to retire due to ill health. Dandridge died in Wall Township, New Jersey at the age of 44.

External links

* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:uvaxlf0e5cqe~T0 Putney Dandridge at the All Music Guide]

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