Drums, percussion. Born in Zanesville, graduate of Coschocton High School and Ohio State University (1950). Co-founder of OSU Jazz Forum, timpanist with Columbus Symphony under Izler Solomon, pit drummer for Hartman and Palace Theaters. Twice winner of world snare drum championship. Staff drummer at NBC in NYC, full-time percussionist Radio City Music Hall, featured percussionist with Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, recorded for RCA Victor with Chicago Symphony, toured with Sammy Kaye Orchestra, appeared on "Ed Sullivan" and "Today" shows with percussion sextet, numerous radio and TV performances, guest conductor at OSU, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Westport Community Band, Naples Concert Band, 18 published compositions and many articles in Down Beat, Modern Drummer, Music Journal, etc. Profiled in People and Money magazines. Continues to teach in NYC. Organ, piano. Taught by Mrs. Helen Carter, Mrs. Ara Arnold (Champion Jr. High), and Mrs. Janet Linker (Capital University). Director/pianist of Shiloh Baptist Church Gospel Choir for over 55 years, coordinated Gospel In Song monthly concerts for 15 years, organist at Green Lake, Wisconsin, for the American Baptist Association conferences. Co-pianist and organist for Revival Choir of Columbus yearly concerts at Veterans Memorial. Accompanied combined choirs of Shiloh and Trinity Baptist Churches for Handel's Messiah at Christmas. Accompanist at Ohio Penitentiary and Girls Industrial School on many occasions. Trombone, keyboards. Came to Ohio in 1946 from Raleigh, North Carolina, and was stationed at Lockborne Air Force Base where he played trombone with the 766th Band (which included Dwike Mitchell, Willie Ruff, Elvin Jones, and Avery Parrish). After leaving the Air Force, remained in Columbus where he played with Raleigh Randolph's Sultan's of Swing (with Nancy Wilson), the Clarence Olden Orchestra, Emile Leon's Orchestra, and Lee Booker. Continues to perform in the Listen For the Jazz All-Star Band. Drums, congas, trumpet. Born in Chillicothe, moved to Columbus in 1956. Among the bands he has played in are the Ernie Brown Trio, Alvin Valentine, the Taj Mahal Saturday Jam Sessions with Bobby Floyd, and the Listen for the Jazz Band. An active member of the Society of Creative Artists Talent (SCAT), he continues to play with a number of groups and has taken it upon himself to regularly visit other musicians who are in nursing homes or otherwise are not able to get around. Trombone, harp, arranger, producer. Born in Pleasant Corners (near Columbus) to musical family, regarded as child prodigy. Joined Dorsey brothers at 16, replacing Tommy on trombone and remaining with Jimmy three years when brothers split. Formed own band (with Jimmy's backing) in 1940, adding Don Redman as arranger. Booked into Glen Island Casino in 1941 and signed to Decca Records. Entered service in 1942 as pilot and bandleader. After the war, freelanced in NYC with Bobby Hackett. Led Dixieland combo on Steve Allen's nightly TV show. Also performed weekly on Luck Strike Hit Parade (3 years), Perry Como Show (11 years), Milton Berle Show (3 years), and Patti Page Show (2 years). Studio musician on many Grand Award and Command Records recordings. Director of Artists and Repertoire for Command Records (replacing Enoch Light). Left music business in early 1970s. Occasional guest artist with jazz groups such as Bones West in California. Trombone, piano, arranger, composer. Born in Newcomerstown, inspired to become a musician by Les Brown. Following graduation from Newcomerstown H.S., attended Baldwin-Wallace, then enrolled at West Lake School of Music in Los Angeles (completing two year program in one year), becoming a freelance musician in the late 50s, working L.A., Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe with the Harry Ranch Review. Settling in Columbus in 1965, joined Charlie Pickens at the Hospitality Inn, then Rusty Bryant's Boss Four. Also worked with Al Waslohn and Bobby Pierce. A featured soloist with the Jazz Arts Group and the High Street Stompers, much sought after arranger and composer, teacher. Cadence magazine's Jerry Atkins says simply he ". . . is the best unheard of trombonist I've been exposed to." Trumpet. Born in Columbus, discovered while at East High School by Earl Hood. Left home to join Alphonso Trent's Orchestra in 1933, moved onto Jeter-Pilars, then hooked up with Lucky Millinder and his rhythm and blues aggregation. Became prominent member of Count Basie band in 1937 until unit disbanded in 1950, then worked with Jimmy Rushing, Buddy Rich, and Josephine Baker, before settling down to studio work on the West Coast. He was much in demand for recording sessions with Frank Sinatra (over a six-year period), Nat King Cole, Nelson Riddle, etc. Returning to New York in 1958, put together his own band, featuring the likes of Ben Webster, Jimmy Forrest, and vocalist Joe Williams. Throughout the 'sixties, Edison worked in the studios, as well as performed at jazz festivals (Jazz At The Philharmonic) and on many TV shows. In 1977, joined forces with another Basie alumnus, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame in 1996. Trombone. Graduated from Linden McKinley in 1950, joined Howdy Gorman band for 1 year, entered the Navy for 2 years, returned to Gorman band. Also played in OSU Jazz Forum for several years, as well as the Ohio Staters big band. Jointly led 4-piece combo with Ernie Wolfle and fronted own comb at Carolyn Club and Kitty's Show Bar. Worked and recorded with Al Waslohn's Quartet and Big Band. Went on the road with Harry Epp's Muskat Ramblers. In 1959, replaced Gene D'Angelo in Joe Susi's band for 10 years, then with Dick Stein (10 years), Marilyn Daye, and Anne Young bands. In addition, has performed with Andre Keller, Steamboat Syncopators, Toll House Jazz Band, and Jerry Weaver. Currently, member of Ragtime Strutters with Al Myers and Jim Garee Harp. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, majored in harp at Eastman School of Music, graduated from Northwest University with bachelor of music in harp. Harpist with Waukegan Philharmonic, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Tucson Symphony. Second harpist with Columbus Symphony for 33 years, principal harpist for the pops and youth concerts for 15 years. Guest harpist with Springfield, Dayton, Charleston, and Wheeling orchestras. Member of pit orchestras for "Hello Dolly", "Camelot", Allen Sherman and Red Skelton shows. Started Columbus Symphony Youth Musicians Competition while president of Young Associates of Columbus Symphony Women's Association. Worked to reestablish symphony after demise of old Columbus Philharmonic, Past president of Columbus chapter of American Harp Society. Many honors for volunteer work in the community. Clarinet, alto sax. Born in Columbus, graduated from North H.S. and OSU. Performed on local radio with brother as a youth. Member of the Red Bird Knot Hole Band. Among the bands he has played with are Mac Tooill, Jimmy Franck, Don Crawford, Howdie Gorman, Lloyd Gaetz, and Fritz Saenger. During WW II, served as special services and entertainment officer on troop ships and bases in South Pacific. After war, established business career. Resumed playing with Aladdin Shrine Band, as well as local groups with Al Myers, Howard Mauger, Paul DiGoia, Ola Hanson, and Billy Romans. In 1991, organized Hill Music Services, local music agency. Member of International Clarinet Association. Trombone, banjo, vocals. The "Happy Man of Dixieland", born in Mount Healthy, grew up in Bexley, started his professional career on the banjo at 17. After graduating from Ohio State, worked with several Ohio bands, as well as Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Recommended by Bix Beiderbecke for Jean Goldkette Orchestra. Move onto another Goldkette outfit, the Orange Blossom Orchestra.. With Glen Gray, developed plan for a "different" type of big band that became the Casa Loma Orchestra, a cooperative unit in which Gray was elected president and Hunt vice president. Joined the Merchant Marine in June, 1943. While in the service, organized a small band which he continued after the war, playing six months at the Victor Inn, Los Angeles, then 33 weeks at the Hollywood Palladium, followed by 23 more after a month on the road. In 1948, working with a group of studio musicians, struck gold with his recording of "Twelfth Street Rag" (selling more than 3 million copies). Put together Dixieland group and hit the road for a number of years. In 1953, his reworking of another standard, "Oh!", also became a hit. Died at the age of 72 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a lengthy illness. Clarinet, sax, flute, trumpet, trombone. Graduated North H.S in 1949. Bachelor of Music OSU (baritone horn in marching band), M.A. Columbia University. De Paur Gala Tour during WWII, backing McHenry Boatwright. 37th Division Army Band 1952. Played with Howdy Gorman, Jimmy Franck, Al Waslohn, Chuck Selby, and other local bands. Concord Hotel, Catskill Mountains, backing Judy Garland, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, Edie Gorme. Principle clarinet NBC Opera Company, principle clarinet Longines Symphonette, principle flute Leningrad Kirov Ballet Orchestra US tour, Tex Beneke Band, principle clarinet Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Led band at Imperial House, member Anne Young Trio, Toll House Jazz Band. Tenor sax, alto sax, flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, bass guitar, marimba, congas. Born in Mexico, began studying sax and clarinet. Moved to Topeka, Kansas, at 14 and began jobbing in local bands. In 1936, joined Juan Rodrigo's band out of El Paso, moving with them to Detroit in 1938. Played with many bands through the Midwest. During WW II, served as lead sax for the Camp Roberts Band, backing Judy Garland, Martha Raye, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, etc. After the war, returned to Detroit to organized the Marcel Padilla Orchestra at The Famous Door and Haig's Supper Club. Came to Columbus from Detroit in 1958, led trio at The Kahiki 1961-1978. Worked at the Clifford Hotel, Neil House, Deshler Hotel, Valley Dale. Toured with Bob Crosby's band as tenor sax player. Taught woodwinds at Coyle Music. Subbed in WLW-C staff band. Retired in 1998. Vocals, bass. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, sang with Spirits of Memphis Quartet and Gospel Travelers as a child. Moved to Chicago at 10. From 1955-1962, toured with Elmore James, Freddie King, Luther Allison, Albert King and other Chicago blues luminaries when not fronting his own band. Settled in Columbus in 1962. Joined Dave Workman Blues Band along with Vaughn Wiester, Gary Carney, Vince Andrews, Rick Collura, Dave Friedlander. Since then has performed with own band as well as Soul Twisters, Smoking Section, The DeMarco Brothers, and T-Bone and the Usual Suspects. Has opened for BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, etc. Sax. Originally from Cincinnati, Renfo toured with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in 1943, as first chair sax. Later, he recorded with blues shouter Sonny Parker. In Columbus, he has been a long-time member of the Bob Jolly Orchestra, in addition to playing in The Listen for the Jazz All-Star Band at summer festivals and at the Jazz & Eggs Jam Sessions. He is considered one of the most modest and gracious performers on the local scene. Clarinet, sax, oboe. Born in Utica, graduated from Columbus North H.S. While at OSU, played in marching band, Columbus Philharmonic, and the bands of Chuck Selby, Howdy Gorman, Ziggy Coyle, and Don Crawford. In the Army, led small combo and 237 AGF Military dance band, performing throughout Philippines and Japan. Completing degree in industrial engineering, backed Nat King Cole, Martin and Lewis, Bob Hope, Jack Jones, etc. Played for musical "Company" and spent 15 years on the weekend ghost band circuit (Guy Lombardo, Bob Crosby, Buddy Morrow, etc.). Led Music Makers for 8 years. Played in Childhood League's Merry-Go-Round for 20 years, State Fair circus band 10 years, Doc Everhart's band 18 years, Capital City Jazz Band, and High Street Stompers 6 years. Occasional sax with the Columbus Symphony. Several recordings. Began giving music lessons 8 years ago. Alto sax, clarinet. Born in Columbus, graduated from Central H.S. Attended OSU. Joined Sammy Stewart Orchestra at the Entertainer's Cafe in 1923, then the Sunset Cafe. Played the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 with Teddy Wilson, Buster Bailey, and John Kirby. Blacklisted due to advocacy of rights of African American entertainers. As a result, missed opportunity to join Cab Calloway in NYC. Joined McKinney's Cotton Pickers in late 30s, touring as far as China. Played in USO band during WWII, backing Josephine Baker and serving as her musical director while entertaining troops in Africa. Afterwards, returned to Columbus, playing with Earl Hood and Percy Lowery. Purchased Down Beat Room in Musicians' Club on Garfield St. Booked many big name entertainers into his club. Recorded with Sammy Stewart in 1924 and 1928. Alto sax. Born in Columbus. Moved with father (above) to Chicago as a child. Entered Daillar University in New Orleans in 1941, majoring in music. Left school two years later to tour with Jay McShann Band. Year later, played with Jimmy Rushing and others in Oakland area. Entered the Navy, playing in jazz program. In 1945, entered mainstream Chicago jazz scene, playing with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Benny Greene, Melvin Moore, Dorothy Donnigan. Returned to Columbus in 1949 to attend OSU. Worked with Nancy Wilson, Rusty Bryant, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Raleigh Randolph, Hank Marr, Jimmy Carter, Ruth Brown, Norris Tunney, Lois Deppe. In 1960, went to L.A. for 10 years, playing with Jessie Price Combo, Jay McShann Combo, Buddy Hiles Big Band, Johnny Otis Combo. Backing bands for Lorez Alexandria, Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson. In 1973, settled in San Francisco. Currently plays lead alto with Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Has recorded with Jimmy Witherspoon, Sam Cook, Lavay Smith. Drums, percussion, piano, arranger, composer. Born in East Liverpool, started drums at 12. Began arranging for high school dance and concert bands. Hired to do an arrangement for the Harmonicats at 14. Came to OSU in 1956, joining Sonny McBroom's Jazz Forum big band as a freshman. Worked with Walter Knick Quartet at Jai Lai. Named best college drummer at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1960. Toured with Al Belleto's Sextet for one year, then joined al Waslohn's Quintet at WLW-C for 10 years. Taught percussion at Van's Music and Capital University. Began arranging for OSU Marching Band in 1964 ("Hang On Sloopy", "Go Bucks", "The Neutron Man", etc.). Published many arrangements. Co-founded Beckenhorst Press (choral publishing company) with John Ness Beck. Operates Band Music Press and John Rich Music Press. Wrote jingles for Bank One, Donato's Pizza, Coca-Cola, Busch Beer, Betty Crocker, Sears, etc. Wrote scores for television and film, from cartoons to PBS specials. Recorded with London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic. Don Volpe Trumpet. Played in the Ohio and Palace Theater Orchestras, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and traveled with Charlie Barnett Orchestra. Passed away at the height of his career. |
Drums, percussion. Born in Zanesville, graduate of Coschocton High School and Ohio State University (1950). Co-founder of OSU Jazz Forum, timpanist with Columbus Symphony under Izler Solomon, pit drummer for Hartman and Palace Theaters. Twice winner of world snare drum championship. Staff drummer at NBC in NYC, full-time percussionist Radio City Music Hall, featured percussionist with Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, recorded for RCA Victor with Chicago Symphony, toured with Sammy Kaye Orchestra, appeared on "Ed Sullivan" and "Today" shows with percussion sextet, numerous radio and TV performances, guest conductor at OSU, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Westport Community Band, Naples Concert Band, 18 published compositions and many articles in Down Beat, Modern Drummer, Music Journal, etc. Profiled in People and Money magazines. Continues to teach in NYC. Organ, piano. Taught by Mrs. Helen Carter, Mrs. Ara Arnold (Champion Jr. High), and Mrs. Janet Linker (Capital University). Director/pianist of Shiloh Baptist Church Gospel Choir for over 55 years, coordinated Gospel In Song monthly concerts for 15 years, organist at Green Lake, Wisconsin, for the American Baptist Association conferences. Co-pianist and organist for Revival Choir of Columbus yearly concerts at Veterans Memorial. Accompanied combined choirs of Shiloh and Trinity Baptist Churches for Handel's Messiah at Christmas. Accompanist at Ohio Penitentiary and Girls Industrial School on many occasions. Trombone, keyboards. Came to Ohio in 1946 from Raleigh, North Carolina, and was stationed at Lockborne Air Force Base where he played trombone with the 766th Band (which included Dwike Mitchell, Willie Ruff, Elvin Jones, and Avery Parrish). After leaving the Air Force, remained in Columbus where he played with Raleigh Randolph's Sultan's of Swing (with Nancy Wilson), the Clarence Olden Orchestra, Emile Leon's Orchestra, and Lee Booker. Continues to perform in the Listen For the Jazz All-Star Band. Drums, congas, trumpet. Born in Chillicothe, moved to Columbus in 1956. Among the bands he has played in are the Ernie Brown Trio, Alvin Valentine, the Taj Mahal Saturday Jam Sessions with Bobby Floyd, and the Listen for the Jazz Band. An active member of the Society of Creative Artists Talent (SCAT), he continues to play with a number of groups and has taken it upon himself to regularly visit other musicians who are in nursing homes or otherwise are not able to get around. Trombone, harp, arranger, producer. Born in Pleasant Corners (near Columbus) to musical family, regarded as child prodigy. Joined Dorsey brothers at 16, replacing Tommy on trombone and remaining with Jimmy three years when brothers split. Formed own band (with Jimmy's backing) in 1940, adding Don Redman as arranger. Booked into Glen Island Casino in 1941 and signed to Decca Records. Entered service in 1942 as pilot and bandleader. After the war, freelanced in NYC with Bobby Hackett. Led Dixieland combo on Steve Allen's nightly TV show. Also performed weekly on Luck Strike Hit Parade (3 years), Perry Como Show (11 years), Milton Berle Show (3 years), and Patti Page Show (2 years). Studio musician on many Grand Award and Command Records recordings. Director of Artists and Repertoire for Command Records (replacing Enoch Light). Left music business in early 1970s. Occasional guest artist with jazz groups such as Bones West in California. Trombone, piano, arranger, composer. Born in Newcomerstown, inspired to become a musician by Les Brown. Following graduation from Newcomerstown H.S., attended Baldwin-Wallace, then enrolled at West Lake School of Music in Los Angeles (completing two year program in one year), becoming a freelance musician in the late 50s, working L.A., Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe with the Harry Ranch Review. Settling in Columbus in 1965, joined Charlie Pickens at the Hospitality Inn, then Rusty Bryant's Boss Four. Also worked with Al Waslohn and Bobby Pierce. A featured soloist with the Jazz Arts Group and the High Street Stompers, much sought after arranger and composer, teacher. Cadence magazine's Jerry Atkins says simply he ". . . is the best unheard of trombonist I've been exposed to." Trumpet. Born in Columbus, discovered while at East High School by Earl Hood. Left home to join Alphonso Trent's Orchestra in 1933, moved onto Jeter-Pilars, then hooked up with Lucky Millinder and his rhythm and blues aggregation. Became prominent member of Count Basie band in 1937 until unit disbanded in 1950, then worked with Jimmy Rushing, Buddy Rich, and Josephine Baker, before settling down to studio work on the West Coast. He was much in demand for recording sessions with Frank Sinatra (over a six-year period), Nat King Cole, Nelson Riddle, etc. Returning to New York in 1958, put together his own band, featuring the likes of Ben Webster, Jimmy Forrest, and vocalist Joe Williams. Throughout the 'sixties, Edison worked in the studios, as well as performed at jazz festivals (Jazz At The Philharmonic) and on many TV shows. In 1977, joined forces with another Basie alumnus, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame in 1996. Trombone. Graduated from Linden McKinley in 1950, joined Howdy Gorman band for 1 year, entered the Navy for 2 years, returned to Gorman band. Also played in OSU Jazz Forum for several years, as well as the Ohio Staters big band. Jointly led 4-piece combo with Ernie Wolfle and fronted own comb at Carolyn Club and Kitty's Show Bar. Worked and recorded with Al Waslohn's Quartet and Big Band. Went on the road with Harry Epp's Muskat Ramblers. In 1959, replaced Gene D'Angelo in Joe Susi's band for 10 years, then with Dick Stein (10 years), Marilyn Daye, and Anne Young bands. In addition, has performed with Andre Keller, Steamboat Syncopators, Toll House Jazz Band, and Jerry Weaver. Currently, member of Ragtime Strutters with Al Myers and Jim Garee Harp. Born in Waukegan, Illinois, majored in harp at Eastman School of Music, graduated from Northwest University with bachelor of music in harp. Harpist with Waukegan Philharmonic, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Tucson Symphony. Second harpist with Columbus Symphony for 33 years, principal harpist for the pops and youth concerts for 15 years. Guest harpist with Springfield, Dayton, Charleston, and Wheeling orchestras. Member of pit orchestras for "Hello Dolly", "Camelot", Allen Sherman and Red Skelton shows. Started Columbus Symphony Youth Musicians Competition while president of Young Associates of Columbus Symphony Women's Association. Worked to reestablish symphony after demise of old Columbus Philharmonic, Past president of Columbus chapter of American Harp Society. Many honors for volunteer work in the community. Clarinet, alto sax. Born in Columbus, graduated from North H.S. and OSU. Performed on local radio with brother as a youth. Member of the Red Bird Knot Hole Band. Among the bands he has played with are Mac Tooill, Jimmy Franck, Don Crawford, Howdie Gorman, Lloyd Gaetz, and Fritz Saenger. During WW II, served as special services and entertainment officer on troop ships and bases in South Pacific. After war, established business career. Resumed playing with Aladdin Shrine Band, as well as local groups with Al Myers, Howard Mauger, Paul DiGoia, Ola Hanson, and Billy Romans. In 1991, organized Hill Music Services, local music agency. Member of International Clarinet Association. Trombone, banjo, vocals. The "Happy Man of Dixieland", born in Mount Healthy, grew up in Bexley, started his professional career on the banjo at 17. After graduating from Ohio State, worked with several Ohio bands, as well as Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Recommended by Bix Beiderbecke for Jean Goldkette Orchestra. Move onto another Goldkette outfit, the Orange Blossom Orchestra.. With Glen Gray, developed plan for a "different" type of big band that became the Casa Loma Orchestra, a cooperative unit in which Gray was elected president and Hunt vice president. Joined the Merchant Marine in June, 1943. While in the service, organized a small band which he continued after the war, playing six months at the Victor Inn, Los Angeles, then 33 weeks at the Hollywood Palladium, followed by 23 more after a month on the road. In 1948, working with a group of studio musicians, struck gold with his recording of "Twelfth Street Rag" (selling more than 3 million copies). Put together Dixieland group and hit the road for a number of years. In 1953, his reworking of another standard, "Oh!", also became a hit. Died at the age of 72 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a lengthy illness. Clarinet, sax, flute, trumpet, trombone. Graduated North H.S in 1949. Bachelor of Music OSU (baritone horn in marching band), M.A. Columbia University. De Paur Gala Tour during WWII, backing McHenry Boatwright. 37th Division Army Band 1952. Played with Howdy Gorman, Jimmy Franck, Al Waslohn, Chuck Selby, and other local bands. Concord Hotel, Catskill Mountains, backing Judy Garland, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, Edie Gorme. Principle clarinet NBC Opera Company, principle clarinet Longines Symphonette, principle flute Leningrad Kirov Ballet Orchestra US tour, Tex Beneke Band, principle clarinet Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Led band at Imperial House, member Anne Young Trio, Toll House Jazz Band. Tenor sax, alto sax, flute, clarinet, guitar, piano, bass guitar, marimba, congas. Born in Mexico, began studying sax and clarinet. Moved to Topeka, Kansas, at 14 and began jobbing in local bands. In 1936, joined Juan Rodrigo's band out of El Paso, moving with them to Detroit in 1938. Played with many bands through the Midwest. During WW II, served as lead sax for the Camp Roberts Band, backing Judy Garland, Martha Raye, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, etc. After the war, returned to Detroit to organized the Marcel Padilla Orchestra at The Famous Door and Haig's Supper Club. Came to Columbus from Detroit in 1958, led trio at The Kahiki 1961-1978. Worked at the Clifford Hotel, Neil House, Deshler Hotel, Valley Dale. Toured with Bob Crosby's band as tenor sax player. Taught woodwinds at Coyle Music. Subbed in WLW-C staff band. Retired in 1998. Vocals, bass. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, sang with Spirits of Memphis Quartet and Gospel Travelers as a child. Moved to Chicago at 10. From 1955-1962, toured with Elmore James, Freddie King, Luther Allison, Albert King and other Chicago blues luminaries when not fronting his own band. Settled in Columbus in 1962. Joined Dave Workman Blues Band along with Vaughn Wiester, Gary Carney, Vince Andrews, Rick Collura, Dave Friedlander. Since then has performed with own band as well as Soul Twisters, Smoking Section, The DeMarco Brothers, and T-Bone and the Usual Suspects. Has opened for BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King, etc. Sax. Originally from Cincinnati, Renfo toured with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in 1943, as first chair sax. Later, he recorded with blues shouter Sonny Parker. In Columbus, he has been a long-time member of the Bob Jolly Orchestra, in addition to playing in The Listen for the Jazz All-Star Band at summer festivals and at the Jazz & Eggs Jam Sessions. He is considered one of the most modest and gracious performers on the local scene. Clarinet, sax, oboe. Born in Utica, graduated from Columbus North H.S. While at OSU, played in marching band, Columbus Philharmonic, and the bands of Chuck Selby, Howdy Gorman, Ziggy Coyle, and Don Crawford. In the Army, led small combo and 237 AGF Military dance band, performing throughout Philippines and Japan. Completing degree in industrial engineering, backed Nat King Cole, Martin and Lewis, Bob Hope, Jack Jones, etc. Played for musical "Company" and spent 15 years on the weekend ghost band circuit (Guy Lombardo, Bob Crosby, Buddy Morrow, etc.). Led Music Makers for 8 years. Played in Childhood League's Merry-Go-Round for 20 years, State Fair circus band 10 years, Doc Everhart's band 18 years, Capital City Jazz Band, and High Street Stompers 6 years. Occasional sax with the Columbus Symphony. Several recordings. Began giving music lessons 8 years ago. Alto sax, clarinet. Born in Columbus, graduated from Central H.S. Attended OSU. Joined Sammy Stewart Orchestra at the Entertainer's Cafe in 1923, then the Sunset Cafe. Played the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 with Teddy Wilson, Buster Bailey, and John Kirby. Blacklisted due to advocacy of rights of African American entertainers. As a result, missed opportunity to join Cab Calloway in NYC. Joined McKinney's Cotton Pickers in late 30s, touring as far as China. Played in USO band during WWII, backing Josephine Baker and serving as her musical director while entertaining troops in Africa. Afterwards, returned to Columbus, playing with Earl Hood and Percy Lowery. Purchased Down Beat Room in Musicians' Club on Garfield St. Booked many big name entertainers into his club. Recorded with Sammy Stewart in 1924 and 1928. Alto sax. Born in Columbus. Moved with father (above) to Chicago as a child. Entered Daillar University in New Orleans in 1941, majoring in music. Left school two years later to tour with Jay McShann Band. Year later, played with Jimmy Rushing and others in Oakland area. Entered the Navy, playing in jazz program. In 1945, entered mainstream Chicago jazz scene, playing with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Benny Greene, Melvin Moore, Dorothy Donnigan. Returned to Columbus in 1949 to attend OSU. Worked with Nancy Wilson, Rusty Bryant, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Raleigh Randolph, Hank Marr, Jimmy Carter, Ruth Brown, Norris Tunney, Lois Deppe. In 1960, went to L.A. for 10 years, playing with Jessie Price Combo, Jay McShann Combo, Buddy Hiles Big Band, Johnny Otis Combo. Backing bands for Lorez Alexandria, Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson. In 1973, settled in San Francisco. Currently plays lead alto with Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Has recorded with Jimmy Witherspoon, Sam Cook, Lavay Smith. Drums, percussion, piano, arranger, composer. Born in East Liverpool, started drums at 12. Began arranging for high school dance and concert bands. Hired to do an arrangement for the Harmonicats at 14. Came to OSU in 1956, joining Sonny McBroom's Jazz Forum big band as a freshman. Worked with Walter Knick Quartet at Jai Lai. Named best college drummer at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1960. Toured with Al Belleto's Sextet for one year, then joined al Waslohn's Quintet at WLW-C for 10 years. Taught percussion at Van's Music and Capital University. Began arranging for OSU Marching Band in 1964 ("Hang On Sloopy", "Go Bucks", "The Neutron Man", etc.). Published many arrangements. Co-founded Beckenhorst Press (choral publishing company) with John Ness Beck. Operates Band Music Press and John Rich Music Press. Wrote jingles for Bank One, Donato's Pizza, Coca-Cola, Busch Beer, Betty Crocker, Sears, etc. Wrote scores for television and film, from cartoons to PBS specials. Recorded with London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic. Don Volpe Trumpet. Played in the Ohio and Palace Theater Orchestras, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and traveled with Charlie Barnett Orchestra. Passed away at the height of his career. |
1999 Columbus Senior Musicians Hall of Fame Honorees |
The CSMHOF Induction Ceremony is held annually at the Davis Discovery Center in Columbus, Ohio. |
Index of Musicians |
Abel, Alan Baskerville, Arthur "Art" Byrne, Robert "Bobby" Edison, Harry "Sweets" Gundersheimer, Muriel Hunt, Walter "Pee Wee" Padilla, Marcel "Marsh" Renfro, Paul Stewart, Bill, Sr. Tatgenhorst, John |
Barksdale, Ellen Elizabeth Brown, Billy Carney, Gary Gary, James Hill, Robert E. "Bob" Lord, Joe Pooch, Willie Seelbach, Don Stewart, Bill, Jr. Volpe, Don |
