Ray Leatherwood

Ray Leatherwood (April 24, 1914 – January 29, 1996) was an American jazz double-bassist and session musician.

Leatherwood's career began in territory bands around Texas, including the Mustang Band. Late in the 1930s he worked with Joe Venuti, and in the following decade played in Bob Chester's and Tommy Dorsey's bands. During World War II he played in military bands in California, then played with Les Brown from 1947 into the next decade.

He worked extensively as a freelance studio musician in the 1950s and 1960s, primarily in jazz and pop music. He appeared on record with Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Julie London (including on the hit song "Cry Me a River"), and Sonny James. Late in his life he played with Dick Cary's Tuesday Night Friends. He appeared on over 120 recordings in the genre of jazz alone.

Birth and Death Data: Born April 24, 1914, Died January 29, 1996

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1939 - 1956

Roles Represented in DAHR: string bass

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BS-040956 10-in. 10/12/1939 Love never went to college Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040957 10-in. 10/12/1939 Aunt Hagar's blues Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040958 10-in. 10/12/1939 My silent mood Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040959 10-in. 10/12/1939 57th Street drag Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040962 10-in. 10/13/1939 I thought about you Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040963 10-in. 10/13/1939 After all Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040964 10-in. 10/13/1939 Don't make me laugh Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-040965 10-in. 10/13/1939 Stars over the campus Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044232 10-in. 11/21/1939 Baby, what else can I do? Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044233 10-in. 11/21/1939 Russian lullaby Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044234 10-in. 11/21/1939 Why go on pretending? Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044235 10-in. 11/21/1939 In the heart of the dark Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044545 10-in. 1/2/1940 I've got no strings Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044546 10-in. 1/2/1940 Easy does it Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044547 10-in. 1/2/1940 Make love with a guitar Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-044548 10-in. 1/2/1940 Turn on the old music box Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-047742 10-in. 3/4/1940 The octave jump Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-047743 10-in. 3/4/1940 Chester's choice Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-047744 10-in. 3/4/1940 You little heart-breaker you Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-047745 10-in. 3/4/1940 River, stay 'way from my door Stuart Allen ; Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-048740 10-in. 4/8/1940 They ought to write a book about you Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-048741 10-in. 4/8/1940 Secrets in the moonlight Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-048742 10-in. 4/8/1940 My wonderful one, let's dance Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-048743 10-in. 4/8/1940 We met each other in a dream Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bob Chester Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-050808 10-in. 5/17/1940 The moon won't talk Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-050809 10-in. 5/17/1940 Maybe Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-050810 10-in. 5/17/1940 Orchids for remembrance Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-050811 10-in. 5/17/1940 Pushin' the conversation along Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill ; Al Stuart Jazz/dance band, with female-male vocal duet instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-051843 10-in. 7/11/1940 Rhumboogie Bob Chester Orchestra ; Al Stuart Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-051844 10-in. 7/11/1940 Li'l Boy Love Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-051845 10-in. 7/11/1940 Now I lay me down to dream Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-051846 10-in. 7/11/1940 Rhythm on the river Bob Chester Orchestra ; Al Stuart Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-054669 10-in. 8/1/1940 One look at you Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-054670 10-in. 8/1/1940 Practice makes perfect Bob Chester Orchestra ; Al Stuart Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-054671 10-in. 8/1/1940 Don't let it get you down Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-054672 10-in. 8/1/1940 Off the record Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-055511 10-in. 8/14/1940 A song of Old Hawaii Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-055512 10-in. 8/14/1940 There shall be no night Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-055513 10-in. 8/14/1940 We three (My echo, my shadow and me) Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-055514 10-in. 8/14/1940 Take care (of you for me) Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056162 10-in. 9/24/1940 Flinging a whing-ding Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056163 10-in. 9/24/1940 Buzz buzz buzz (lookin' for my honey) Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056164 10-in. 9/24/1940 You're breaking my heart all over again Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056165 10-in. 9/24/1940 When I leave the world behind Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056166 10-in. 9/24/1940 May I never love again Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-056167 10-in. 9/24/1940 Arise my love Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057012 10-in. 10/21/1940 Old, old castle in Scotland Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057013 10-in. 10/21/1940 Talkin' to my heart Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057014 10-in. 10/21/1940 Who am I Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057015 10-in. 10/21/1940 I'm in a lovable mood tonight Bob Chester Orchestra ; Dolores O'Neill Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057744 10-in. 11/26/1940 I'm always chasing rainbows Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057745 10-in. 11/26/1940 Somebody stole my gal Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057746 10-in. 11/26/1940 Chilly and cold Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-057747 10-in. 11/26/1940 Till the lights of London shine again Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-058756 10-in. 1/6/1941 Beau night in Hotchkiss Corners Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-058757 10-in. 1/6/1941 I could write a book Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-058758 10-in. 1/6/1941 Blue echoes Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-058759 10-in. 1/6/1941 Waterloo Bridge Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060615 10-in. 2/4/1941 My ship Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060616 10-in. 2/4/1941 Bewitched Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060617 10-in. 2/4/1941 Oh! Look at me now Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060618 10-in. 2/4/1941 Dolores Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060619 10-in. 2/4/1941 You're dangerous Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060620 10-in. 2/4/1941 You lucky people, you Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060958 10-in. 3/4/1941 My sister and I Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060959 10-in. 3/4/1941 Slow down Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060960 10-in. 3/4/1941 Feed the kitty Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-060961 10-in. 3/4/1941 What has happened? Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Darnell Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-063811 10-in. 4/24/1941 I'm through throwing good love after bad Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-063812 10-in. 4/24/1941 Until tomorrow Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Reynolds Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-063813 10-in. 4/24/1941 Time and time again Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bill Reynolds Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-063814 10-in. 4/24/1941 Clap your hands on the after beat Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066192 10-in. 7/8/1941 You can't get lovin' (Where there ain't any love) Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066193 10-in. 7/8/1941 There goes that song again Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066194 10-in. 7/8/1941 You were meant for me Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066195 10-in. 7/8/1941 In Waikiki Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066196 10-in. 7/8/1941 It's so peaceful in the country Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-066197 10-in. 7/8/1941 You're a natural Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067522 10-in. 8/1/1941 A new shade of blue Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067523 10-in. 8/1/1941 I can't believe that you're in love with me Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067524 10-in. 8/1/1941 You betcha my life Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067525 10-in. 8/1/1941 The wind blows free Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067824 10-in. 9/10/1941 Harlem confusion Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067825 10-in. 9/10/1941 The magic of magnolias Bob Chester Orchestra ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067826 10-in. 9/10/1941 B-i-bi Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley ; Bob Chester ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with mixed vocal trio and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-067827 10-in. 9/10/1941 From Maine to California Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-068044 10-in. 10/28/1941 Madelaine Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-068045 10-in. 10/28/1941 I wish I had a sweetheart (Like that old sweetheart of mine) Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-068046 10-in. 10/28/1941 If I were the moon Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-068047 10-in. 10/28/1941 Got something in my eye Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-068048 10-in. 10/28/1941 Harlem confusion Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-071402 10-in. 9/25/1941 Joltin' Joe Di Maggio Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with mixed vocal trio and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-071403 10-in. 9/25/1941 Wait 'til the sun shines, Nellie Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley ; Bob Haymes Jazz/dance band, with female-male vocal duet and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-071404 10-in. 9/25/1941 This love of mine Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-071405 10-in. 9/25/1941 The clock is fast Bob Chester Orchestra ; Betty Bradley Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, string bass  
Victor BS-071406 10-in. 9/25/1941 From Maine to California Bob Chester Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85530 12/1/1953 Moonlight serenade Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85531 12/1/1953 Tuxedo junction Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85532 12/1/1953 Little brown jug Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85533 12/1/1953 St. Louis blues march Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85534 12/1/1953 In the mood Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85535 12/1/1953 Chattanooga choo choo Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85536 12/1/1953 Pennsylvania 6-5000 Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85537 12/1/1953 American patrol Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca 85566 12/1/1953 A string of pearls Universal International Orchestra instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6085 2/16/1951 I'll be around Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6086 2/16/1951 If I loved you Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6087 2/16/1951 Red sails in the sunset-1 Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6091 2/19/1951 Leap frog (theme)-1 Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6092 2/19/1951 Blue moon-1 Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6093 2/19/1951 With you, where you are Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6131 3/8/1951 Deep purple Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6132 3/8/1951 Azure Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6133 3/8/1951 That old black magic Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6179 3/24/1951 Very good advice Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6180 3/24/1951 T'was brillig Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6222 4/9/1951 Over the rainbow Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6223 4/9/1951 The moon was yellow Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6224 4/9/1951 Red wing Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6225 4/9/1951 Green eyes Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 6226 4/9/1951 The day isn't long enough Les Brown and his Band of Renown instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9073 3/28/1956 Tishomingo blues Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9074 3/28/1956 Search-light rag Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9075 3/28/1956 Way down yonder in New Orleans Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9076 3/28/1956 I would do anything for you Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9077 3/28/1956 Cajun lament Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9078 3/30/1956 Do you know what it means to ; miss New Orleans Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9079 3/30/1956 Blue turning grey over you Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9080 3/30/1956 Basin Street blues Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9081 3/30/1956 Bayou lullaby Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9082 4/4/1956 Du à  Ferdinand Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9083 4/4/1956 New Orleans Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  
Decca L 9084 4/4/1956 Black and blue Marvin Ash and his Dixie Blue Blowers instrumentalist, string bass  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Leatherwood, Ray," accessed April 19, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/112091.

Leatherwood, Ray. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/112091.

"Leatherwood, Ray." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 19 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/112091

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