Shelton Hemphill

American jazz trumpeter. b. March 16, 1906 (Birmingham, AL, USA) d. December, 1959 (New York City, NY, USA) Studied at Wilberforce College and played with Horace Henderson's Collegians (1924-28). Went on to play with Fred Longshaw's band supporting Bessie Smith ('24-25), then Benny Carter ('28-29), Chick Webb ('30-31), Mills Blue Rhythm Band ('31-37), Louis Armstrong ('37-44), and Duke Ellington ('44-49). He freelanced in New York City for a while from 1949 onwards but retired from playing due to poor health.