Reginald DuValle

Reginald DuValle (b. Indianapolis, 1893 – d. Indianapolis, 1953) – Multiple Instrumentalist (banjo, accordion, and piano). Known mainly through his associations with Hoagy Carmichael, DuValle was an accomplished pianist and bandleader in Indianapolis. Referred to as “the elder statesman of jazz” and “the rhythm king,” DuValle taught Carmichael what jazz and the blues were all about. More specifically, he taught him how to improvise at the piano in 1916. After playing piano with the bands led Noble Sissle and Russell Smith, DuValle formed his own group called the Blackbirds around 1920. In addition to being the houseband at the Madame Walker Theater (opened 1927), the Blackbirds played for dances throughout the city as well as at Indiana University and Purdue University. During the Depression, DuValle continued to lead a band but also had a day job with the Linco Gas Company. He also toured with his accordion on the Ohio Gas Company’s promotional Lincoln Safety Train. Born in 1928, his son Reggie DuValle is also an Indianapolis jazz musician of merit. A noted trombone player, the younger DuValle taught instrumental music for the Indianapolis Public Schools for thirty-seven years and has played trombone with Lionel Hampton, Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, and Slide Hampton.