Arvell Shaw, born September 15, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American
jazz bassist renowned for his work with Louis Armstrong. Initially playing tuba
in high school, Shaw switched to double bass and performed on Mississippi
riverboats with Fate Marable in 1942. After serving in the U.S. Navy during
World War II, he joined Armstrong's band in 1944, becoming a key member of the
All-Stars until 1950 and from 1952 to 1956. Shaw collaborated with notable
musicians like Russ Case and Benny Goodman, and appeared in films featuring
Armstrong's jazz band. Post-Armstrong, he played...