Paul Curry (entertainer)
Encyclopedia
Paul Curry known as *'Baby Fats Waller
' was highly regarded as a Jazz
pianist
and composer
, playing alongside many of the greats. Based in Philadelphia, he formed his own trio in the 1940s, fronted by singer Beulah Frazier. In the 1950s he recored a number of singles and LP's, notably 'It's You Or No One' and 'Paul Curry Presents The Friends Of Fats', a tribute to Fats Domino
on the Golden Crest label. This recording featured some of the best Jazz musicians of the day (Al Casey, Guitar, Paul Webster
, Trumpet, Herb Lovella, Drums, and Al Hall, Bass) and put Curry on the map. On the back of this album Curry undertook a tour of Europe. As the '50s drew to a close Curry was contracted by the phenomenally successful act 'Hines, Hines and Dad', a sons and father dance trio that included the later superstar Gregory Hines
, to be there band leader and arranger. Following a number of years touring headline venues and working and recording with his own trio, Paul Curry became known for his unique playing style and grasp of Jazz composition. He was approached by a number of headline acts to work as their musical director, including Tony Bennett
, but fell into ill health and died in 1979. Many notable Jazz musicians attended the funeral and Billy Eckstine
sang in tribute (see Billboard obit. below). Violetta Curry, a daughter of Paul Curry, became a Jazz singer and is known under the name Violetta Curry and also VIOLETTA.
Ref: Billboard Magazine: http://books.google.ie/books?id=vwwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT22&lpg=PT22&dq=paul+curry+pianist&source=bl&ots=Si-1US3xw3&sig=QeES94pxq4Cc0QVJtsqIrXJnqBA&hl=en&ei=jDWcS8G3BIqI0wTYwoXjAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=paul%20curry%20pianist&f=false
Fats Waller
Fats Waller , born Thomas Wright Waller, was a jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer...
' was highly regarded as a Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
and composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, playing alongside many of the greats. Based in Philadelphia, he formed his own trio in the 1940s, fronted by singer Beulah Frazier. In the 1950s he recored a number of singles and LP's, notably 'It's You Or No One' and 'Paul Curry Presents The Friends Of Fats', a tribute to Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino, Jr. is an American R&B and rock and roll pianist and singer-songwriter. He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Creole was his first language....
on the Golden Crest label. This recording featured some of the best Jazz musicians of the day (Al Casey, Guitar, Paul Webster
Paul Webster (jazz)
Paul Webster was a jazz trumpet player in the big band era. He is best remembered for having been Jimmie Lunceford's high-note trumpet player...
, Trumpet, Herb Lovella, Drums, and Al Hall, Bass) and put Curry on the map. On the back of this album Curry undertook a tour of Europe. As the '50s drew to a close Curry was contracted by the phenomenally successful act 'Hines, Hines and Dad', a sons and father dance trio that included the later superstar Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines
Gregory Oliver Hines was an American actor, singer, dancer and choreographer.-Early years:Born in New York City, Hines and his older brother Maurice started dancing at an early age, studying with choreographer Henry LeTang...
, to be there band leader and arranger. Following a number of years touring headline venues and working and recording with his own trio, Paul Curry became known for his unique playing style and grasp of Jazz composition. He was approached by a number of headline acts to work as their musical director, including Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is an American singer of popular music, standards, show tunes, and jazz....
, but fell into ill health and died in 1979. Many notable Jazz musicians attended the funeral and Billy Eckstine
Billy Eckstine
William Clarence Eckstine was an American singer of ballads and a bandleader of the swing era. Eckstine's smooth baritone and distinctive vibrato broke down barriers throughout the 1940s, first as leader of the original bop big-band, then as the first romantic black male in popular...
sang in tribute (see Billboard obit. below). Violetta Curry, a daughter of Paul Curry, became a Jazz singer and is known under the name Violetta Curry and also VIOLETTA.
Ref: Billboard Magazine: http://books.google.ie/books?id=vwwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT22&lpg=PT22&dq=paul+curry+pianist&source=bl&ots=Si-1US3xw3&sig=QeES94pxq4Cc0QVJtsqIrXJnqBA&hl=en&ei=jDWcS8G3BIqI0wTYwoXjAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=paul%20curry%20pianist&f=false
- Ref:Billboard Magazine: http://books.google.com/books?id=9yMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT3&dq=Paul+Curry+jazz+piano+Philadelphia&as_pt=MAGAZINES&source=gbs_toc&cad=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false