Shelton Hemphill

A fine section trumpeter who unfortunately rarely had opportunities to solo, Hemphill was a part of several major orchestras. Early on Hemphill toured with Bessie Smith as part of Fred Longshaw's band (1924). After attending Wilberforce College, he worked with Horace Henderson's Collegians. Hemphill was with Benny Carter (1928-29), Chick Webb (1930-31), the Mills Blue Rhythm Band (1931-37), Louis ...more