Wilfred Middlebrooks

Bassist Wilfred Middlebrooks remains best remembered for his extended tenure behind the great Ella Fitzgerald, lending his elegant, understated rhythms to now-classic recordings including the 1960 Berlin live date Mack the Knife. Born July 17, 1933 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Middlebrooks was the product of a musical family, and at 11 began studying under the principal bassist for the Chattanooga Symphony--by 15, he was touring with a vaudeville troupe, and during a performance in Ohio he befriended saxophonist Tab Smith, who served as his mentor. Middlebrooks spent a two-year military stint playing bass and tuba in a U.S. Army band, and after returning to civilian life he settled in Los Angeles, collaborating with renowned saxophonist Eric Dolphy during an extended residency at The Oasis Club. He also played with saxophonist Buddy Collette, who composed "Walkin' Willie" in honor of Middlebrooks' impeccable intonation and tireless rhythm. He signed on Fitzgerald in time for a 1958 Las Vegas gig and remained with her group for over three years, contributing to sessions including Sings the Harold Arlen Song Book and Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!--his other notable studio collaborations include dates headlined by Johnny Hodges, Frank Rosolino and Red Holloway. In 1960, Middlebrooks and Fitzgerald pianist Paul Smith began moonlighting at the Redondo Beach club The Velvet Turtle, a partnership that extended across several decades and a series of LPs--in 1977, the bassist also made his lone feature film appearance in Martin Scorsese's musical New York, New York. Middlebrooks died of heart failure on March 13, 2008 in Pasadena, California--he was 74. ~ Jason Ankeny