Dicky Wells

Biography Gallery Discography Lists Also Viewed

The basics

Quick facts

Intro

American jazz trombonist

Gender:

Male

Places:

United States of America

Is:

Jazz musician Trombonist

Work field:

Music

Birth:

10 June 1907(Tennessee, USA)

Death:

12 November 1985(New York City, New York, USA)

Star sign:

Gemini

Genres:

Jazz

Instruments:

Trombone

The details

Biography

Introduction

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

Career

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

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

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. 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

He died of cancer on November 12, 1985, in New York City. Shortly after his death, Wells's family donated his trombone to the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies.