Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra

Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra
GenresJazz, big band
Years active1926–1930
LabelsVictor, Vocalion, Gennett, Okeh, Brunswick, Champion, and Harmony

Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra was the main band of clarinetist Fess Williams from 1926–1930

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

  • Ralph Bedell - Drums
  • Ollie Blackwell - Banjo
  • Ralph Brown - Alto Saxophone
  • Emanuel Casamore - Tuba
  • Emanuel Clark - Trumpet
  • Henry Duncan - Piano
  • Felix Gregory - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
  • Bobby Holmes - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
  • David "Jelly" James - Trombone
  • Lockwood Lewis - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
  • Frank Marvin - Vocals
  • Otto Mikell - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
  • Andy Pendleton - Banjo
  • Walter "Fats" Pichon - Piano
  • Kenneth Roane - Trumpet
  • Perry Smith - Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals
  • George Temple - Trumpet
  • Clinton Walker - Tuba
  • Professor Stanley Williams - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Vocals, Leader

Selected recordings