Putney Dandridge

Louis "Putney" Dandridge January 13 1902 – February 15 1946 Was An American Bandleader Jazz Pianist And Vocalist.
Born In Richmond Virginia Dandridge Began Performing In 1918 As A Pianist In The A Revue Entitled The Drake And Walker Show. In 1930 He Worked For A Time As Accompanist For Legendary Tap Dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson Including Appearances In The Important Black Musical Brown Buddies After Touring In Illinois And The Great Lakes Region Dandridge Settled In Cleveland Ohio Forming His Own Band Which Included Famed Guitarist Lonnie Johnson. 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 Thirties 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. read less