Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BRAUD, Wellman

(b Wellman Breaux, 25 Jan. 1891, St James Parish LA; d 29 Oct. '66, Los Angeles) Bass. To Chicago, then London '23, played in revues, then influential with Duke Ellington mid-'27 to May '35, who always made sure Braud's exuberant style was prominently heard on records in the Cotton Club era; Braud also used the bow effectively. (Later sat in with Duke, '44 and '61.) Own club with Jimmie Noone in NYC '35; own trio from '37, played with many bands, left full-time music '40s, returned to play with Kid Ory from '56 incl. European tour; with Joe Darensbourg '60. One of Duke's last compositions, the New Orleans Suite '70, incl. 'Portrait Of Wellman Braud'.