Image Source: Wikipedia

O'Neil Spencer

William "O'Neill" Spencer (November 25, 1909 – July 24, 1944) was a jazz drummer and singer. He is most known for his work in the John Kirby Sextet.

He began with work for Al Sears and from 1931 to 1936 he worked with the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. He joined Kirby's group in 1937, but had to leave for a time in 1941 due to tuberculosis. He rejoined in 1942 staying until 1943, but died soon after from the disease.

Birth and Death Data: Born November 25th, 1909 (Cedarville), Died July 24th, 1944 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1937 - 1942

Roles Represented in DAHR: drums, vocalist, washboard

Recordings (Results 226-244 of 244 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca 70245 10-in. 1/28/1942 Ma curly-headed baby Maxine Sullivan instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70246 10-in. 1/28/1942 When your lover has gone Maxine Sullivan instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70247 10-in. 1/28/1942 My ideal Maxine Sullivan instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70310 10-in. 2/12/1942 Sometimes Mildred Bailey instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70311 10-in. 2/12/1942 Wherever you are Mildred Bailey instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70312 10-in. 2/12/1942 I think of you Mildred Bailey instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70313 10-in. 2/12/1942 More than you know Mildred Bailey instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70420 10-in. 3/2/1942 Wings over the Navy-1 Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70421 10-in. 3/2/1942 Eyes of the fleet-1 Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70422 10-in. 3/2/1942 I'm in love with the girl I left behind me Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70423 10-in. 3/2/1942 She don't wanna Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70424 10-in. 3/2/1942 One dozen roses Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70425 10-in. 3/2/1942 Keep 'em flying Dick Robertson Orchestra instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70541 10-in. 3/19/1942 Beside the river Clyde John Kirby Orchestra ; Maxine Sullivan instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 70542 10-in. 3/19/1942 How do I know it's real? John Kirby Orchestra ; Maxine Sullivan instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 91842 10-in. 10/13/1939 Scatter brain Milt Herth Trio instrumentalist, drums, vocalist  
Decca 91843 10-in. 10/13/1939 The monkeys have no tails in Pago-Pago Milt Herth Trio instrumentalist, drums, vocalist  
Decca 91844 10-in. 10/13/1939 Peach Tree street Milt Herth Trio instrumentalist, drums  
Decca 91845 10-in. 10/13/1939 Hezekiah (The handwriting on the wall) Milt Herth Trio instrumentalist, drums, vocalist  
(Results 226-244 of 244 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Spencer, O'Neil," accessed January 19, 2021, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/107086.

Spencer, O'Neil. (2021). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved January 19, 2021, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/107086.

"Spencer, O'Neil." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2021. Web. 19 January 2021.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/107086

External Sources

Wikipedia: O'Neill Spencer

Discogs: Spencer, O'Neil

Allmusic: Spencer, O'Neil

Linked Open Data Sources

LCNAR: Spencer, O'Neil, 1909-1944 - http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n94048915

Wikidata: O'Neill Spencer - http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q2043379

VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/22328868/

MusicBrainz: Spencer, O'Neil, 1909-1944 - https://musicbrainz.org/artist/40727d52-6756-48d3-a26b-088541060865

Feedback

Send the Editors a message about this record.