Milwaukee, Wisconsin's own legendary jazz pianist, Claude Dorsey, was born in Gainesville, Georgia, USA, on January 10, 1914. Claude began his musical career, as many musicians do, by playing in church.
He's been a Milwaukee, Wi. resident since 1928, when he pursued his music while
still a student at Lincoln High School. He formed several bands of his own, and also played with Burt Bailey's Brown Buddies. In the early days, Claude toured around
the USA with that and other jazz bands.
Many of Claude's current fans first remember hearing him play at the Clock Bar, in downtown Milwaukee, where he played a nearly 40 year stint, 6 nights a week!
Those gigs, from the '40's thru 1982, drew such admirers as Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett and his entire orchestra, Count Basie and his band, Bob Hope, and Duke Ellington.
Claude has played in the presence of a long list of the finest jazz and blues musicians, among them Joe Williams, (a one-time sideman for Claude),
Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Liberace, and Count Basie. Among his fondest memories, he recalls the times he accompanied Billie Holiday on piano, during private parties.
In addition to his 40 years at The Clock, Claude has also been heard at Cafe LaBoheme, The Wheelhouse, The Estate, Jimmy D's, and now, Caroline's Jazz Club,
where he continues playing monthly gigs.
Claude is married to his lovely wife Mary, who is his biggest fan, supporter and partner in this life. Claude usually includes his own special tribute to Mary, a carefully penned tune he wrote for her that has become a Dorsey standard, during most performances.
Claude was the recipient of our state's highest music industry honor, as he
gratefully accepted the 2001 WAMI * Hall of Fame Award, during the 2001 Awards Show ceremonies. (*WAMI is our state's division of the Grammy awards).
At 89 years young, Claude Dorsey has completed his first-ever studio recording,
titled Claude Dorsey: What a Wonderful World, by Musical Moon Productions.
Released: July 13th, 2003. The CD contains 11 jazz standards and a Dorsey original, loved by fans, "Summer is Over." On the CD, Claude is backed by Milwaukee musicians, Gary Christensen on upright bass, and Scott Van Domelen, on soprano saxophone.
Now 90, Claude remains seemingly ageless and timeless!
Whether taking familiar requests at a gig, playing his own tunes, or helping a fan remember the words to an obscure jazz number, Claude Dorsey remains one of
this era's greatest musical treasures!
