Putney Dandridge

Biography

Louis 'Putney' Dandridge (January 13, 1902 – February 15, 1946) was an American jazz pianist, singer, and bandleader born in Richmond, Virginia. He began his career in 1918 as a pianist in the revue The Drake and Walker Show, touring regularly until 1926. By 1930, he served as accompanist to tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, including in the musical Brown Buddies, and appeared in the 1931 revue Heatin' Up Harlem starring Adelaide Hall at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem. After touring the Great Lakes region, he settled in Cleveland, Ohio, in the early 1930s, leading his own band with guitarist Lonnie Johnson from 1932 to 1934.[2][1][4]

In 1934, Dandridge moved to New York City as a solo act, securing long residencies at venues like the Hickory House on 52nd Street and Adrian’s Taproom. His peak came from 1935 to 1936, when he recorded numerous vocal sides for Brunswick under his own name, backed by all-star jazz musicians in the swing style, including Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Henry 'Red' Allen, Buster Bailey, John Kirby, Chu Berry, and Cozy Cole. Known for his sophisticated piano playing and charismatic vocals, he blended stride piano influences with swing-era energy, though he struggled to compete with giants like Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong.[2][1][5]

Dandridge vanished from the music scene after 1936, possibly due to ill health, and died at age 44 in Wall Township, New Jersey. His recordings remain valued for capturing the vibrant swing era and showcasing top talent, contributing to his niche legacy in jazz history.[2][3]

Fun Facts

• Dandridge appeared in the 1932 film Harlem Is Heaven as the stage manager, playing piano, scatting, and introducing vocals during a 62-bar intro on an unidentified title.[1][5]
• He held a solo piano spot at Adrian’s Taproom starting March 1935 before his New York residencies.[1]
• Despite acclaim, his recording career ended abruptly after 1936, unable to outcompete stars like Fats Waller, though his sides featured elite swing musicians.[1]
• Dandridge was a notable figure in Oslo's jazz scene in the 1950s according to some accounts, though primary sources focus on his U.S. career.[1]

Associated Acts

• Putney Dandridge and His Orchestra

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson - accompanist for tap dancer (Brown Buddies musical, Harlem Is Heaven film (1932)) [1930-1932]
• Lonnie Johnson - band member in Cleveland band (Putney Dandridge's band) [1932-1934]
• Roy Eldridge - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Teddy Wilson - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Henry 'Red' Allen - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Buster Bailey - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• John Kirby - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Chu Berry - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Cozy Cole - sideman on recordings (1935-1936 Brunswick sessions) [1935-1936]
• Adelaide Hall - cast member in revue (Heatin' Up Harlem) [1931]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Skeleton In The Closet (Halloween Classics: Songs That Scared The Bloomers Off Your Great-Grandma)
2. Chasing Shadows (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)
3. The Skeleton In The Closet (Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack - Music From And Inspired By The Game (Special Edition))
4. You Hit the Spot (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)
5. The Skeleton In The Closet (Bioshock 2: The Official Soundtrack - Music From And Inspired By The Game (Special Edition))
6. The Skeleton In The Closet (From The Sony Vault: Silly Scary Songs)
7. The Skeleton in the Closet (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)
8. You're a Heavenly Thing (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)
9. I'm in the Mood for Love (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)
10. Eeny Meeny Miney Mo (Complete Recordings Putney Dandridge 1935 - 1936)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz