Al Arsenault

Who was Al Arsenault?

Joseph Alfred Arsenault was an American blues and jazz organ player known for his playing on the Hammond B3. He was a prominent musician in the Worcester area for over 50 years. Throughout his career he has played in The Phaetons, The Drifters and Lou Donaldson and had a successful solo career.

Born in Mexico, Maine, Arsenault began playing at the age of 3, teaching himself how to play the piano. At 12 he appeared on "Miss Lace's Talent Show", playing "The 12th Street Rag". He started working professionally soon after. At 16, he joined The Phaetons, a rock 'n' roll act that recorded a couple of hit singles. While still a teen, he backed many of the great 1950s acts at White City Park, including Bobby Darin, Jimmy Clanton and Jack Scott. In the early 1970s, Arsenault led a quartet, featuring Woody Herman saxophonist Jackie Stevens, guitarist Bat Johnson and drummer Ray Trent.