Clarinetist. David McKinstry Garner born February 5, 1928 in Washington, D.C.; died August 24, 2005 in Falls Church, Virginia.
High school nickname comes from resemblance to actor Wallace Beery.
Attended Western High School and University of Virginia. Served in U.S. Army.
In the 1950s, Garner worked with Wild Bill Whelan, appearing at the Jazzland and Bayou clubs. In later years he played regularly at the Four Seasons Hotel with bassist Tommy Cecil until 2002. He was a member of the Not-So-Modern Jazz Quartet and the Great American Music Ensemble.
Garner worked in the aerospace industry, retiring in 1993.
Bibliography
Joyce, Mike. “Great American Music Ensemble.” Washington Post, October 26, 1992.
Joyce, Mike. “The Last Brunch With Tommy Cecil.” Washington Post, March 26, 2002.
Stokes, W. Royal. “Smithsonian Jazz.” Washington Post, November 21, 1983.
“District Jazz Clarinetist Wally Garner, 77.” Washington Post, August 26, 2005.
“Dixie Stars Inked for Brown Derby.” Down Beat, March 11, 1953.
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