Vic Dickenson

Who was Vic Dickenson?

Vic Dickenson was an African-American jazz trombonist. Dickenson's career started out in the 1920s and led him through musical partnerships with such legends as Count Basie, Sidney Bechet and Earl Hines . Also a soloist of wide acclaim, Vic Dickenson was known for the distinctive sound he coaxed out of the trombone.

He studied Organ from 1922 but changed to Trombone with local bands. Vic made his recording debut in December 1930, as a vocalist with Luis Russell's band. He later joined Blanche Calloway's Orchestra in the early 1930s. Led his own groups both in east & west coast between 1947 to mid fifties. From then he was a session man for many legendary dates, among them CBS Sound Of Jazz 1957 with many great jazz musicians including: Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Gerry Mulligan, Billie Holiday.

He was a favorite of many musicians, in large part because of the melodic sound he got from his horn, and for a keen sense of humor which was often evident in his playing.

Dickenson recorded several albums, many of which are still in print. But if you're looking for more, listen to these recordings under the name of other jazz musicians with Vic as a sideman: Jimmy Rushing, Coleman Hawkins, Pee Wee Russell, Benny Carter, Lester Young, Count Basie, Sidney Bechet In 1953, he recorded 'The Vic Dickenson Showcase' for Vanguard. The front line included Ed Hall and Ruby Braff. This album is thought by many as one of the finest examples of mainstream jazz ever recorded.