Putney Dandridge

Louis "Putney" Dandridge (January 13, 1902 – February 15, 1946) was an American jazz pianist and singer.

Putney Dandridge
Birth nameLouis Dandridge
BornJanuary 13, 1902
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
DiedFebruary 15, 1946(1946-02-15) (aged 44)
Wall Township, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsPiano, vocals
Years active1918–1936
Associated actsLonnie Johnson

Career

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Dandridge began performing in 1918 as a pianist in a revue entitled The Drake and Walker Show. In 1930, he worked as accompanist for tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, including appearances in the musical Brown Buddies.[1] In February 1931, Dandridge appeared in the cast of the musical revue Heatin' Up Harlem, starring Adelaide Hall at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem.[2] In the 1932 American film Harlem Is Heaven, Dandridge, on the piano and reciting lyrics in a "speak set", accompanies Robinson as the dancer sings "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't".

After touring in Illinois and the Great Lakes region, Dandridge settled in Cleveland, Ohio, forming a band with guitarist Lonnie Johnson.[3] This period lasted until 1934, when he attempted to perform as a solo act. He took his show to New York City, beginning a series of long residences at the Hickory House on 52nd Street and other local clubs. From 1935 to 1936, he recorded numerous sides under his own name, many of which highlighted some major jazz talents of the period, including Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Henry "Red" Allen, Buster Bailey, John Kirby, Chu Berry, Cozy Cole and more. Appearing to vanish from the music scene in the late 1930s, it is speculated that Dandridge may have been forced to retire due to ill health. Dandridge died in Wall Township, New Jersey at the age of 44.

Discography
  • Putney Dandridge (Timeless, 1994)

References
  1. Stearns, Marshall; Stearns, Jean (1994). Jazz Dance: The Story of American Vernacular Dance. Da Capo. p. 155.
  2. "Heatin Up Harlem at the Lafayette Theatre, Harlem, week commencing 7 February 1931 – advert and newspaper announcement in The New York Age," (PDF). Fultonhistory.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  3. Sallis, James. The Guitar Players: One Instrument and Its Masters in American Music. Page 44. University of Nebraska Press, 1994
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