Bill Doggett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Doggett
|
|
|---|---|
Doggett in 1980
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Ballard Doggett |
| Born | February 16, 1916 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 13, 1996 (aged 80) New York City |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Piano, electric organ |
| Years active | 1930s–1996 |
| Labels | King |
William Ballard Doggett (born February 16, 1916 – died November 13, 1996) was an American musician. He played both the piano and the electric organ. Bill Doggett started his music career playing swing music. Later, he moved into rhythm and blues, also known as R&B. He became famous for his instrumental songs, especially "Honky Tonk" and "Hippy Dippy". Many people see Doggett as a pioneer in rock and roll music. He also worked with many famous artists like the Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Jordan.
Biography
Bill Doggett was born in the city of Philadelphia, USA. In the 1930s and early 1940s, he worked with several bandleaders. These included Lucky Millinder and Jimmy Mundy. In 1942, he joined a popular group called the Ink Spots. He played piano for them and helped arrange their music.
In 1951, Bill Doggett started his own music group, a trio. They began recording songs for King Records. His most famous song was "Honky Tonk". This instrumental song became a huge rhythm and blues hit in 1956. It sold four million copies! The song reached number one on the US Billboard R&B chart. It stayed at the top for more than two months. He wrote this hit song with Billy Butler.
Besides playing, Bill Doggett also arranged music for many big names. He worked with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lionel Hampton. He continued to play music and arrange songs for others throughout his life. Bill Doggett passed away in New York City at the age of 80. He died from a heart attack.
See also
In Spanish: Bill Doggett para niños
