Dicky Wells

William Wells (June 10, 1907 – November 12, 1985), known as Dicky Wells (sometimes Dickie Wells), was an American jazz trombonist.[2][3]

Dicky Wells
Dicky Wells
Photo:William P. Gottlieb.
Background information
Birth nameWilliam Wells
Also known asDickie Wells
BornJune 10, 1907[1]
Centerville, Tennessee, United States
DiedNovember 12, 1985(1985-11-12) (aged 78)
New York, New York, United States
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Trombonist
InstrumentsTrombone
Associated actsCount Basie, Bill Coleman

Career

Dickie Wells is believed to have been born on June 10, 1907 in Centerville, Tennessee, United States.[4] His brother was trombonist Henry Wells. He moved to New York City in 1926, and became a member of the Lloyd Scott band.[4]

He played with Count Basie between 1938–1945 and 1947–1950.[4] He also played with Cecil Scott, Spike Hughes, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Jimmy Rushing, Buck Clayton and Ray Charles.[4] In the middle years of the 1960s, Wells toured and performed extensively, and the onset of alcoholism caused him personal problems which led to his semi-retirement. Publication of his autobiography in 1973 helped to steer Wells back to his profession.[4]

Dicky Wells (left) and brother Henry Wells at Eddie Condon's of New York City in January 1947

In his later years, Wells suffered a severe beating during a mugging that affected his memory, but he recovered and continued to perform.[4] He played frequently at the West End jazz club at 116th and Broadway, most often with a band called The Countsmen, led by alto saxophonist Earle Warren, his colleague from Count Basie days. A trademark was Wells's "pepper pot" mute which he made himself.

Death
Dicky Wells (left) and brother Henry Wells at Eddie Condon's of New York City in January 1947

He died on November 12, 1985, in New York City.[4] Shortly after his death, Wells's family donated his trombone to Rutgers University.

Discography

With Count Basie

With Buck Clayton

With Dizzy Gillespie

With Jay McShann

With Jimmy Rushing

With Rex Stewart

With Buddy Tate

References
  1. U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
  2. "Dicky Wells | American musician". Encyclopedia Britannica.
  3. "Dicky Wells biography". Biography.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  4. Colin Larkin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 484. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.


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