Shep Shepherd

Berisford Shepherd (January 19, 1917 – November 25, 2018), professionally known as Shep Shepherd, was an American multi-instrumental jazz musician, composer and singer.

Shep Shepherd
Birth nameBerisford Shepherd
BornJanuary 19 1917
DiedNovember 25 2018 (aged 101)
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, singer
LabelsKing Records, RCA Victor, RCA Camden
Associated actsBill Doggett

Career

In 1941, Benny Carter contacted Shepherd after hearing him play, and this resulted in Shepherd working for Carter and eventually moving to New York City. Shepherd also started working for Artie Shaw in 1941.[1]

In 1952, Shepherd began working as part of Bill Doggett's group. In 1956, Shepherd helped write Doggett's signature song, Honky Tonk.[1]

Late in his career, Shepherd switched his primary focus from drums to trombone, claiming that it was easier to carry. In 1995, he and Art Harris formed the group "Blues Fuse", with Harris playing Hammond Organ and singing, and Robert Labbe on drums and they regularly performed in San Francisco through at least 2000 and released at least one CD.[2]

Musicians Shepherd has worked with include Patti Page, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, The Ward Singers, Earl Bostic, Buck Clayton, and Odetta.[3]

Shep Shepherd is listed in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz and Who’s Who Among Black Americans.[4]

Personal life

Shepherd was a relative of environmental activist John Francis. In 2007, he moved to Orange County and met his wife Joy. He turned 100 in January 2017.[5] He died in November 2018 at the age of 101.[6]

Discography

With Bill Doggett

With Artie Shaw

  • Any Old Time (RCA Victor, 1958)
  • One Night Stand (RCA Camden, 1963)

With others

References
  1. Chadbourne, Eugene. "Berisford "Shep" Shepherd, Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-05-22.
  2. Tudor, Silke (2000-05-10). "House Of Tudor". SF Weekly. Retrieved 2016-05-22.
  3. Zarnow, Teryl. "He's 94 and a virtual newlywed". The Orange County Register. Retrieved 2016-05-22.
  4. HighBeam
  5. Staff (2017-01-23). "Jazz Faculty with 100-Year-Old Shep Shepherd". Saddleback College. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  6. Shep Shepherd's NAMM profile

How I Got Over: Clara Ward and the World-famous Ward Singers, ISBN 1-56639-490-2

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