Howard Darnell

A skilled soloist who sometimes displayed a hyper style on clarinet in later years that was also influenced by the smoother Jimmie Noone, Darnell Howard had a long career. Both of his parents were musicians. Howard started on violin when he was seven, adding clarinet and reeds later on. He started playing professionally in 1912 while still in high school. Howard played with John H. Wickcliffe's Ginger Orchestra during 1913-1916 and then in 1917 went to New York, working and recording with W.C. Handy (on violin). Howard then led a band in Chicago, gigged with Charlie Elgar (192...