O’Neill Spencer

A sophisticated drummer and an OK singer, O’Neill Spencer is most well-known for his account in the basic John Kirby Sextet. After using local rings in Ohio, Spencer’s initial important work was with Al Sears in 1930; he found more important knowledge with the Mills Blue Tempo Band (1931-1936). Spencer became a member of Kirby’s group as soon as 1937 and his calm but regular support held the group swinging; he also added occasional vocals. Through the ’30s, Spencer also made an appearance on many record schedules including with Crimson Allen, Mildred Bailey, Sidney Bechet, Frankie Newton, Lil Armstrong, Jimmy Noone (1937), Johnny Dodds (1938), Milt Herth, Andy Kirk, and many more. He contracted tuberculosis in 1941 and was compelled to keep Kirby for an interval. A short recovery discovered him using Louis Armstrong’s Orchestra and rejoining Kirby (1942-1943) but he was even more seriously stricken the next time and passed away at age 33. O’Neil Spencer led just one single record program: four trio edges with clarinetist Buster Bailey and pianist Billy Kyle in 1938. His timekeeping capabilities were very highly regarded by his contemporaries.