Dicky Wells
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Photo of Wells by William P. Gottlieb
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Wells |
| Born | (1907-06-10)June 10, 1907 Centerville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 1985(1985-11-12) (aged 78) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Trombone |
William Wells (June 10, 1907 – November 12, 1985), known professionally as Dicky Wells (sometimes Dickie Wells), was an American jazz trombonist.[1][2]
Dickie Wells is believed to have been born on June 10, 1907, in Centerville, Tennessee, United States.[3] His brother was trombonist Henry Wells. He moved to New York City in 1926, and became a member of the Lloyd Scott band.[3]
He played with Count Basie between 1938 and 1945 and 1947–1950.[3] He also played with Cecil Scott, Spike Hughes, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Jimmy Rushing, Buck Clayton and Ray Charles.[3] In the middle years of the 1960s, Wells toured and performed extensively, and the onset of alcoholism caused him personal problems which led to his semi-retirement. Publication of his autobiography in 1973 helped to steer Wells back to his profession.[3]
In his later years, Wells suffered a severe beating during a mugging that affected his memory, but he recovered and continued to perform.[3] He played frequently at the West End jazz club at 116th and Broadway, most often with a band called The Countsmen, led by alto saxophonist Earle Warren, his colleague from Count Basie days. A trademark of Wells was his "pepper pot" mute, which he made himself.
He died of cancer on November 12, 1985, in New York City.[3] Shortly after his death, Wells's family donated his trombone to the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies.
With Count Basie
With Buck Clayton
With Jimmy Rushing
With others
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