Wendell Marshall

Who was Wendell Marshall?

Wendell Marshall was an American jazz double-bassist.

Marshall was Jimmy Blanton's cousin. He studied at Lincoln University, then served in the Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he played with Stuff Smith, then relocated to New York City, where he began playing with Mercer Ellington. From 1948 to 1955 he played with Duke Ellington.

Following his time with the Duke, Marshall played in pit orchestras on Broadway and freelanced with Mary Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Donald Byrd, Milt Jackson, and Hank Jones among others. He retired in 1968.