Zutty Singleton
Arthur James "Zutty" Singleton (May 14, 1898 – July 14, 1975) was a pioneering American jazz drummer, known for his influential contributions to early jazz drumming. Born in Bunkie, Louisiana, and raised in New Orleans, Singleton began his professional career in 1915 with Steve Lewis. He served in the United States Navy during World War I and, upon returning, played with notable New Orleans musicians such as Papa Celestin and Fate Marable.
Singleton moved to St. Louis to join Charlie Creath's band, later relocating to Chicago, where he collaborated with Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines. He was part of Armstrong's band during the landmark Hot Five recordings in 1928 and 1929. Singleton's drumming style was characterized by its melodic approach and the use of a modest drum setup, which included snare, bass drum, toms, and cymbals. He was among the first to popularize the use of brushes in jazz drumming.
In 1929, Singleton followed Armstrong to New York City, where he played with jazz luminaries such as Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, and Bubber Miley. By 1943, he had moved to Los Angeles, leading his own band and working in film and radio. Singleton continued to perform until a stroke in 1970 forced him into retirement. He passed away in New York City in 1975 at the age of 77. Singleton's legacy as a jazz drummer is marked by his adaptability to changing musical trends and his innovative techniques, which have left a lasting impact on the genre.