Years active 1926–1930 Members Fess Williams | Record label Hallmark Records Genres Jazz, Big band | |
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Albums Fess Williams & His Royal Flush Orchestra Similar Original Memphis Five, Coon‑Sanders Original Nighthaw, Ted Lewis, Red Nichols, Clarence Williams | ||
Fess williams and his royal flush orchestra gambler s blues
Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra was the main band of clarinetist Fess Williams from 1926–1930
Contents
Brief history
In 1926 Williams formed the Royal Flush Orchestra. The popular hot jazz outfit held residency at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom for most of its life and recorded on the Victor, Vocalion, Gennett, Okeh, Brunswick, Champion, and Harmony labels. Williams, Frank Marvin, and Perry Smith supplied vocals. The flamboyant Williams typically performed wearing a white suit and top hat.
In 1928 Williams traveled to Chicago where he temporarily fronted Dave Peyton's band at the Regal Theatre. Calling the group Fess Williams and His Joy Boys, he recorded two sides with them for Vocalion. The Royal Flush Orchestra continued to operate in his absence, and in 1929 he returned to New York to resume his duties.
The Royal Flush Orchestra recorded its last side in 1930.
Orchestra members
Selected recordings
Songs
Playing My Saxophone1997
'Leven-Thirty Saturday Night2003
What Did Romie-o-JulietFess Williams & His Royal Flush Orchestra · 2011