Dave Tough
| Dave Tough | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | David Jarvis Tough |
| Born |
April 26, 1907 Oak Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died |
December 9, 1948 (aged 41) Newark, New Jersey |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1925–1948 |
Dave Tough (April 26, 1907 – December 9, 1948, was an American jazz drummer associated with Dixieland and swing jazz in the 1930s and 1940s.
Biography
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Tough was a friend of Bud Freeman, who was part of a group of musicians known as the Austin High School Gang in Chicago. In 1925, he became a professional musician, playing with Jack Gardner, Art Kassel, Sig Meyers, and Husk O'Hare's Wolverines. After two years in Europe, he returned home and played with Benny Goodman and Red Nichols.[1]
He left music for three years until 1935, then joined the big bands of Ray Noble, Tommy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Bunny Berigan, and Benny Goodman.[1][2] He played Dixieland jazz with Bud Freeman, Jack Teagarden, Mezz Mezzrow, and Joe Marsala. In the 1940s, he played in a naval band led by Artie Shaw, then joined Woody Herman's big band. He worked with Eddie Condon, Jerry Gray, Muggsy Spanier, and Jazz at the Philharmonic.[1]
Tough struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. He died at the age of 41 after falling down and hitting his head on the street in Newark, New Jersey.[1]
Critical reception
Dave Tough has been described as "the most important of the drummers of the Chicago circle".[2]
Awards and honors
In 2000, he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.
Discography
With Benny Goodman
- The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings (RCA Victor, 1935–39 [1997])
