Ray Nance

Ray Nance was a multi-talented jazz musician best known for his long association with Duke Ellington's orchestra. Born in Chicago in 1913, Nance was proficient on trumpet, violin, and as a vocalist. He joined Ellington's band in 1940, replacing Cootie Williams, and quickly made his mark with a famous trumpet solo on "Take the 'A' Train". Nance's versatility earned him the nickname "Floorshow" - he could play scorching trumpet, deliver sweet violin solos, and sing on tunes like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)". He remained with Ellington until 1963, after which he performed and recorded with various other artists. Nance passed away in 1976, leaving behind a legacy as one of jazz's most well-rounded performers.

Genres

Jazz

Big Band

Blues

Easy Listening

Bebop

Swing

Cool Jazz

Vocal Jazz

Soul Jazz

Dixieland

Mainstream Jazz

Related Artists

Nat King Cole

Louis Armstrong

Count Basie

Duke Ellington

Dizzy Gillespie

Lionel Hampton

Ella Fitzgerald

Clark Terry

Miles Davis

Benny Goodman

Oscar Peterson

Quincy Jones

Latest Release

A Flower Is A Lonesome Thing

Ray Nance

Album - 8 Tracks - Released April 30, 2011