Biography Fess Williams and His Royal Flush Orchestra

Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra was from 1926 to 1930 the main band of clarinetist Fess Williams (10 April 1894 — 17 December 1975).

In 1926 Williams formed the Royal Flush Orchestra. The popular hot jazz outfit held residency at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom for most of its life and recorded on the Victor, Vocalion, Gennett, Okeh, Brunswick, Champion, and Harmony labels. Williams, Frank Marvin, and Perry Smith supplied vocals. The flamboyant Williams typically performed wearing a white suit and top hat.

In 1928 Williams traveled to Chicago where he temporarily fronted Dave Peyton's band at the Regal Theatre. Calling the group Fess Williams and His Joy Boys, he recorded two sides with them for Vocalion. The Royal Flush Orchestra continued to operate in his absence, and in 1929 he returned to New York to resume his duties.

The Royal Flush Orchestra recorded its last side in 1930.

Orchestra members

Ralph Bedell - Drums

Ollie Blackwell - Banjo

Ralph Brown - Alto Saxophone

Emanuel Casamore - Tuba

Emanuel Clark - Trumpet

Henry Duncan - Piano

Felix Gregory - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone

Bobby Holmes - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone

David "Jelly" James - Trombone

Lockwood Lewis - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone

Frank Marvin - Vocals

Otto Mikell - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone

Andy Pendleton - Banjo

Walter "Fats" Pichon - Piano

Kenneth Roane - Trumpet

Perry Smith - Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals

George Temple - Trumpet

Clinton Walker - Tuba

Professor Stanley Williams - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Vocals, Leader

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