Biography
Harry Dial (1907–1987) was a pioneering American jazz drummer and bandleader, born in Birmingham, Alabama, and later active in New York. Dial began his musical journey in the early 1920s, playing drums in St. Louis with Dewey Jackson and Lawrence Marable. By the mid-1920s, he had joined the ranks of prominent jazz musicians, most notably working with Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong. His energetic drumming style, characterized by a driving beat and innovative use of the sock cymbal and snare, made him a sought-after accompanist in the swing and early jazz scenes.
In 1930, Dial formed his own ensemble, Harry Dial's Blusicians, recording six sides for Vocalion Records. The group featured notable musicians such as Omer Simeon (woodwinds), Eursten Woodfork (banjo), Shirley Clay (trumpet), and Lester Boone (alto saxophone). Throughout the 1930s, Dial continued to collaborate with Armstrong and Waller, and in the 1940s, he joined Louis Jordan's Tympany Five, expanding his repertoire to include maracas. Later in his career, Dial recorded under his own name for Decca and authored the autobiography 'All This Jazz,' reflecting on his extensive contributions to American jazz. His legacy endures as a dynamic drummer, a rare singing percussionist, and an influential figure in the development of jazz rhythm sections.
Fun Facts
- Harry Dial was one of the rare 'singing drummers' in early jazz, often making humorous vocal interjections on recordings.
- He played not only drums but also vibraphone and maracas during his career.
- Dial authored an autobiography titled 'All This Jazz,' providing a firsthand account of the jazz era.
- He recorded one of the earliest versions of the song 'Diddy Wah Diddy' in the late 1940s.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dewey Jackson - Early bandleader who gave Dial his first professional experience as a drummer in St. Louis. (Live performances in St. Louis) [1920]
- Lawrence Marable - Early collaborator in St. Louis jazz scene, contributing to Dial's foundational training. (Live performances in St. Louis) [1920]
Key Collaborators
- Fats Waller - Worked as drummer and occasional vocalist; featured in recordings and live performances. ("Don't Let It Bother You" and other sessions) [mid-1920s–1930s]
- Louis Armstrong - Served as drummer and musical director; performed and recorded together. (Various Armstrong band recordings) [mid-1920s–1930s]
- Louis Jordan's Tympany Five - Member of the band, playing drums and maracas. (Performances and recordings with Tympany Five) [1940s]
- Omer Simeon - Woodwind player in Harry Dial's Blusicians. (Vocalion sessions (1930)) [1930]
- Eursten Woodfork - Banjoist in Harry Dial's Blusicians. (Vocalion sessions (1930)) [1930]
- Shirley Clay - Trumpeter in Harry Dial's Blusicians. (Vocalion sessions (1930)) [1930]
- Lester Boone - Alto saxophonist in Harry Dial's Blusicians. (Vocalion sessions (1930)) [1930]
Artists Influenced
- Numerous jazz drummers - Dial's energetic style, use of sock cymbal, and marching band snare sound became widely imitated among jazz drummers. (General influence on jazz drumming techniques) [1930s–1950s]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Funny Fumble (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- When My Baby Starts to Shake That Thing (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- Poison (Chicago South Side 1923-1930)
- Don't Give It Away (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- I Like What I Like Like I Like It (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- It Must Be Love (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- Poison (That's My Stuff - Chicago 1929-1930)
- It Must Be Love (Chicago South Side)
- I Like What I Like Like I Like It (Chicago South Side)
- Funny Fumble (Chicago Black Small Bands)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
HARRY DIAL'S BLUSICIANS has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2025 | 10:44 | WHEN MY BABY STARTS TO SHAKE THAT THINGfrom THAT'S MY STUFF | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |