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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSAMPSON, Edgar(b 31 Aug. '07, NYC; d 16 Jan. '73, Englewood NJ) Violinist, also reeds; one of the composer/ arrangers of the Swing Era whose tunes became anthems. Played with Duke Ellington '27, Fletcher Henderson '31-3 (violin solo on "House Of David Blues'), Chick Webb '33-7; played baritone sax on Lionel Hampton record date '38 ("Ring Dem Bells'). His arrangements were the equal of Henderson's, though he was not as prolific: he wrote "Stompin' At The Savoy', "Don't Be That Way', "Blue Minor' and "If Dreams Come True' (words by Irving Mills), all '34; "Blue Lou' '35, "Lullaby In Rhythm' '38, others, most recorded by Webb, later big hits for Benny Goodman, the first two among the era's classics; "Blue Lou' also had a fine recording by the RCA Victor All-Stars '39, with Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Bunny Berigan, Jack Teagarden etc. Sampson led own band '49-51, played with Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, other Latin bands; own combos '60s. |