Alvin, Danny (originally Viniello, Daniel Alvin)

Alvin, Danny (originally Viniello, Daniel Alvin), jazz drummer; b. N.Y., Nov. 29, 1902; d. Chicago, Dec. 6, 1958. The father of the late Teddy Walters (vocals/guitar), Alvin’s first professional work was accompanying “Aunt Jemima” at the Central Opera House, N.Y. in 1918. During the following year he began a three-year spell accompanying vocalist Sophie Tucker. Alvin moved to Chicago in 1922 and joined Jules Buffano’s band at Midnite Frolics and worked with Frankie Quartell and Charley Straight before joining The Midway Gardens Orchestra. He spent a brief period with Joe Kayser’s band, then worked in Florida with Arnold Johnson’s Orchestra during 1926 and 1927. Returning to Chicago, Alvin joined Al Morey’s Orchestra, then worked with Wayne King’s band until 1930. He also worked with Ted Fio Rite before joining Amos Ostot and His Crimson Serenaders. Alvin led his own band in Chicago at the 100 Club until 1933, then spent three years working mostly with pianist Art Hodes, usually at the Vanity Fair Cafe. Alvin moved to N.Y. in 1936 and did extensive gigging before spending two years with Wingy Manone. After spending time with various groups in the 1940s, Alvin organized his own band for residency at Rupneck’s in late 1949. During the 1950s, he led his own Kings of Dixieland and ran his own club.

Discography

D. A. and His Kings of Dixieland Play Basin Street (1958).

—John Chilton/Lewis Porter