Alton Purnell

About

Jazz artist known for performing Dixieland jazz and as a member of George Lewis' Ragtime Band.

Before Fame

He began playing piano as a professional in 1928 in New Orleans.

Trivia

He worked with Ed Garland and Buddy Johnson after becoming a fixture at the South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club in Gardena, California, during the 1970s and 1980s.

Family Life

He was born in New Orleans, but moved to Los Angeles in 1957. He would die in Inglewood, California.

Associated With

His move to Los Angeles put him in touch with numerous other jazz musicians, including Teddy Buckner.