Arthur Whetsol Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Born

1905 Punta Gorda, FL

Died

January 05, 1940 New York, NY

Biography

Arthur Whetsol, one of the original members in Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, had an attractive tone, impressive technique, and a very lyrical style that set a standard for Ellington; in future years Harold "Shorty" Baker filled a similar role with Duke. A childhood friend of Ellington, Whetsol came to New York with Duke to join Elmer Snowden's group in 1923 but left a year later to study medicine at Howard University. He eventually returned to music and was a fixture in Duke's orchestra during 1928-1936 until a brain disorder forced him to permanently retire. Featured prominently in Ellington's 1929 film short Black and Tan, Whetsol took many fine solos in the late '20s when his melodic style was a contrast to that of Bubber Miley and (a little later) Cootie Williams, most notably on "Mood Indigo," "Black and Tan Fantasy," and "Black Beauty"; his role became less prominent in the 1930s. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide