Reginald DuValle
Reginald DuValle (* 1893 in Indianapolis ; † 1953 ibid) was an American jazz musician ( piano , banjo , accordion ), band leader and music teacher, known in his hometown as "The Elder Statesman of Jazz" and "The Rhythm King" .
Reginald DuValle is best remembered for his association with Hoagy Carmichael , whose teacher he was. In 1916 he introduced Carmichael to jazz and blues and taught him the ability to improvise on the piano. DuValle was a well-known band leader and pianist in Indianapolis. After playing piano in the bands of Noble Sissle and Russell Smith , he founded his own formation around 1920, called The DuValle Blackbirds . They appeared from 1927 as a house band at the Madame Walker Theater and played at dance balls around the city as well as at Indiana University and Purdue University . Billed as the Rhythm King , he also had a weekly 15-minute program on the radio station WKBF . During the Great Depression from 1929 DuValle was still active as a leader, but had a day job at the Linco Gas Company accept. For this company he also went on a promotional tour as an accordionist with the Lincoln Safety Train . Duvalle remained active as a musician until his death in 1953.
His son Reggie DuValle (1927-2010) was a jazz trombonist and music teacher. He later reported that his father played a style similar to the stride piano .
Web links
- Jazz & Ragtime in Indiana ( Memento from December 31, 2010 in the Internet Archive )
- Lost legends of Indiana Jazz
Remarks
- ↑ In his memoirs, Carmichael wrote: “Reggie had the new black music tricks,” Carmichael continued, DuValle taught him the art of improvisation: “Never play anything that ain't right,” he said to Carmichael. "You may not make any money, but you'll never get mad at yourself." After Lost Legends of Indiana Jazz
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | DuValle, Reginald |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American jazz musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1893 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Indianapolis |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1953 |
| Place of death | Indianapolis |