Biography
Arthur Whetsol, one of the original members in Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, had an attractive tone, impressive technique, and a very lyrical style that set a standard for Ellington; in future years Harold Shorty Baker filled a similar role with Duke. A childhood friend of Ellington, Whetsol came to New York with Duke to join Elmer Snowden's group in 1923 but left a year later to study medicine at Howard University. He eventually returned to music and was a fixture in Duke's orchestra during 1928-1936 until a brain disorder forced him to permanently retire. Featured prominently in Ellington's 1929 film short #Black and Tan, Whetsol took many fine solos in the late '20s when his melodic style was a contrast to that of Bubber Miley and (a little later) Cootie Williams, most notably on Mood Indigo, Black and Tan Fantasy, and Black Beauty; his role became less prominent in the 1930s. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi



 
Videos
Close
Duke Ellington - Black And Tan Fantasy 1929 Arthur Whetsol plays the jungle style trumpet solos!
How to pronounce Arthur Whetsol (American English/US) - PronounceNames.com
Duke Ellington Black And Tan Fantasy 1929 Duke Ellington rehease with Arthur Whetsol.
Duke Ellington - Radio Remote: August 6, 1952
Duke Ellington & Orchestra - Symphony in black, a rhapsody of negro life (1935) (colorized)
Black and Tan (1929, Duke Ellington) musical short film written and directed by Dudley Murphy
Duke Ellington & orchestra, Hit parade of 1937, at Republic Studios, L.A, February 1937 (colorized)
Download SoundHound
The only App that can give you results through singing and humming search!