Poster for Bassa Moona (1936), which featured Wen Talbert's orchestra.
Wendell P. Talbert (died 1950), better known as Wen Talbert and sometimes performing as the Sultan of Jazz,[1] was an American pianist, cellist, and jazz bandleader.[2]
In the 1930s, Talbert led the Negro Chorus of the Federal Theatre Project, which performed in several Federal Theatre productions including Bassa Moona and How Long Brethren? (1937), a dance by Helen Tamiris.[7][8] During World War II, he worked as a musical director of the United Service Organizations.[3]
Talbert was briefly married to Florence Cole Talbert; they were separated as of 1916.[9] He died in 1950.[4]
Notes
↑ Or "friends". The name is rendered both ways. See, e.g., "Talbert Returns to Loew". Billboard. March 10, 1928. p.14.
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