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 | |
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SURNAME | DuValle, Reginald |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American jazz musician |
DATE OF BIRTH | 1893 |
PLACE OF BIRTH | Indianapolis |
DATE OF DEATH | 1953 |
Place of death | Indianapolis |