Elmer "Mousey" Alexander (June 19, 1922 – October 9, 1988) was an American
jazz drummer.
Career
Alexander was born in
Gary, Indiana to
Assyrian parents from
Iran.[1][2] He grew up in
Chicago,[3] eventually studying at the Roy C. Knapp School of Percussion located there.[4]
Prior to serving in the Navy during
World War II,[3] Alexander backed up different performers at Chicago jazz clubs, including the singer
Billie Holiday.[5] In the late 1940s, Alexander began working with
Jimmy McPartland in Chicago, and, in 1952, began playing in the band of pianist
Marian McPartland. In the middle of the 1950s, he played and recorded with the
Sauter-Finegan Orchestra and with guitarist,
Johnny Smith. In 1956, he accompanied
Benny Goodman on a tour of the Far East and, subsequently, toured with him up until the early 1970s to additional locations as well, such as to South America and Europe.[5] Later, in the 1950s, he often worked with
Bud Freeman and
Eddie Condon. He also played with
Charlie Ventura,
Red Norvo,
Clark Terry,
Ralph Sutton,
Sy Oliver, and
Doc Severinsen. Alexander freelanced during the 1960s with several bands. In the 1970s, he recorded for jazz producer
Harry Lim and the
Famous Door record label, and in 1972, accompanied the singer,
Pearl Bailey, when she performed for President
Richard Nixon at the White House.[3]
Alexander suffered a stroke in 1980. After a period of recovery, he continued playing jazz until his death in 1988. He died of heart failure and kidney failure.
^"Elmer Alexander",
United States census, 1930; Chicago, Cook, Illinois; roll 486, page 7B, line 58, enumeration district 1638, Family History film 1254075, National Archives film number T626. Retrieved on 2022-02-14.
^"Famous Assyrian Drumer Appearing at 1960 Chicago Convention". Assyrian Star. 9 (7–8): 5. July–August 1960.
^Mattingly, Rick (2002). "Albert, Don". In Barry Kernfeld (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz (2nd ed.). New York: Grove's Dictionaries. p. 28.
ISBN1561592846.