Wendell Marshall
Wendell Lewis Marshall (October 24, 1920 – February 6, 2002) was an American jazz double-bassist.
Marshall was Jimmy Blanton's cousin. Marshall studied with the noted Ellington bassist, inheriting Blanton's bass upon his death. He attended Sumner High School and studied at Lincoln University, and in 1942 played briefly with Lionel Hampton, then served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. Following his discharge, he performed with Jimmy Forrest, Buggs Roberts, and Stuff Smith, then relocated to New York City, where he worked with Mercer Ellington. From 1948 to 1955, he performed with Duke Ellington. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Ellington band on November 13, 1948.
Following his time with Ellington, Marshall joined pit orchestras on Broadway, including Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. His freelance employers included Mary Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Donald Byrd, Milt Jackson, and Hank Jones among others. During 1955-56, Marshall, Hank Jones, and Kenny Clarke were the house rhythm section for Savoy Records. Marshall played on over 370 record dates, but made only one record as a leader, Wendell Marshall and the Billy Byers Orchestra.
Marshall retired from music in 1968, worked as an insurance agent and started his own insurance business in St. Louis in 1970. He died of colon cancer in 2002, aged 81.
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