Albert Wynn

Albert Wynn was best known for his work in the 1920s, although he survived and continued playing into the mid-'60s. Wynn grew up in Chicago, where he was based throughout most of his life. Early in his career, Wynn played in the Bluebirds' Kids Band and toured with Ma Rainey. Wynn performed and recorded with Charlie Creath's Jazz-O-Maniacs in St. Louis (1927) and spent time in Europe (1928-1932), working for 18 months with Sam Wooding. After returning to the U.S., he performed briefly with Sidney Bechet's New Orleans Feetwarmers (1932) and then worked in Chicago with Carroll Dickerson, Jesse Stone, Reuben "River" Reeves, Jimmie Noone, Richard M. Jones, and the Earl Hines Orchestra. Wynn was part of Fletcher Henderson's orchestra (1937-1939), played with Jimmie Noone's short-lived big band, and in the 1940s performed with many local groups, including bands featuring Baby Dodds and Lil Armstrong. He also owned a record store. A member of Franz Jackson's Original Jazz All-Stars (1956-1960), Wynn had his last major job playing with Gold Coast Jazz Band (1960-1964). Albert Wynn recorded six songs as a leader during the 1926-1928 period (among his sidemen were Barney Bigard on tenor and cornetist Punch Miller) and in 1961 led a set for Riverside and recorded an album with Lil Armstrong; both of the latter have since been reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide