Best-known for his excellent work as a supportive bassist with
Duke Ellington (1948-1955),
Wendell Marshall was the cousin of
Jimmy Blanton. After attending Lincoln University and serving in the Army, he worked for a few months with
Stuff Smith. In 1948, he moved to New York and joined
Mercer Ellington. Soon, he was with
Duke and his seven years touring with
Ellington gave him a strong reputation.
Marshall freelanced after 1955 (including recordings with
Mary Lou Williams,
Art Blakey,
Donald Byrd,
Milt Jackson, and
Hank Jones, among many others) and eventually was working steadily in Broadway pit bands.
Wendell Marshall retired from music in 1968. ~ Scott Yanow