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Oliver, Mert

June 25, 2020 By Michael Fitzgerald 3 Comments

Bassist. Merton Alexander Oliver born January 28, 1917 in Herndon, Virginia; died April 19, 1965 in Washington, D.C.

Led group at Log Tavern. Worked with Ralph Hawkins band (1942). Played in Washington sessions organized by Nesuhi Ertegun (1943). Worked with Sonny Dunham (1943-1944), Teddy Powell (1944), Boyd Raeburn (1944), Woody Herman (1949-1950), Elliot Lawrence (1950-1951), Tommy Dorsey (1952).

Member of THE Orchestra. Led groups and backed visiting artists at Club La Comeur in 1954.


Bibliography

7756 MertOliver items 1 chicago-fullnote-bibliography author asc https://jazzmf.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/zotpress/
Simon, George T. “Band Reviews: Ralph Hawkins.” Metronome, March 1942.
Down Beat. “‘Unknown’ Takes Woody Bass Job,” September 9, 1949.
Down Beat. “Raeburn Schedules Jersey Locations,” July 15, 1944.

Wiki Tags:
1950s, 1940s

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bill Oliver says

    September 11, 2020 at 4:12 am

    Are there any photos of Mert playing in any of these bands?
    He is a first cousin, one generation removed and I only found out about him 5 years ago. Heard several recordings he was on and very impressed by his Jazz chops.

    Reply
    • Michael Fitzgerald says

      September 11, 2020 at 9:30 am

      I don’t currently have any photos of Mert Oliver, but I’ll keep on the lookout. Thanks for writing!

      Reply
      • Bill Oliver says

        October 9, 2020 at 9:51 am

        Thanks Michael! I connected with his Daughter Dale Oliver Grindle. She has only one picture of Mert. Much mystery surrounding him.

        Reply

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