Richard Boone

A good trombonist, Richard Boone is best-known for his very odd vocal style, a novel approach to scatting that is either considered humorous or annoying, depending on one's viewpoint! He sang in a Baptist church choir as a youth. After winning second prize in a talent contest when he was 16, Boone toured for a month with Lucky Millinder. He was in the Army during 1948-53, getting to play trombone in a military band. He studied music at Philander Smith College and then gigged in Los Angeles with Gerald Wilson, Dolo Coker, Sonny Criss and other top musicians who were on the West Coast during the late 1950's. Boone recorded with Dexter Gordon and Teddy Edwards in 1960, was in Della Reese's backup band during 1962-66 and gained some recognition for his playing and eccentric singing with Count Basie during 1966-69. After leaving Basie, Richard Boone relocated to Europe, spending most of his time in Copenhagen where he played with local musicians, the Ernie Wilkins Big Band and a visiting Clark Terry. Richard Boone has recorded as a leader for Nocturne in 1968 (which was reissued by Jazz Chronicles), Polydor and Storyville.