Marty Napoleon (1921-2015)

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

Marty Napoleon, a stride pianist who was at home playing New Orleans and Chicago jazz as he was swing and who played with numerous bands and ensembles from the 1940s on, most notably Louis Armstrong and the All Stars, died on April 27. He was 93. [Photo above of Marty Napoleon and his late wife, Marie "Bebe" Napoleon. They were married for 67 years]

"Bebe" (nee Marie Giordano) Napoleon for 67 years.

Like Armstrong, Marty always had a smile on his face while performing, charming audiences instantly. He also had Armstrong's marvelous taste in notes. Armstrong loved hearing Marty behind him, setting up songs and driving the rhythm section. And what would Louis Armstrong and the All Stars be without Armstrong announcing the pianist's name twice—"Mar-tee Nah-pol-yan, Mar-tee Nah-pol-yan!"—before and after solos.

In my conversations with Marty, I found him a cheery force, someone so sunny it was easy to see how he had befriended so many jazz stars over the years. But Marty was more than just a nice guy. He could play anything and with enormous grace and drive, treating the piano as a traditional rhythm instrument rather than as an opportunity to make a personal statement. And he never was winded nor did he ever break a sweat. Just that movie-star face from the bandstand and big easy smile.

My last conversation with Marty was in December 2013, when we chatted about Charlie Ventura. Marty was in fine form, though I sensed he was tired. Jazz ran in Marty's family. His uncle was trumpeter Phil Napoleon and his older brother was pianist Teddy Napoleon, who worked often with Gene Krupa in the 1940s.

You can read my multipart JazzWax interview with Marty from 2011 here. Rather than wax on, here are six video clips that will show you everything you need to know about Marty:

Here's Marty with Louis Armstrong in 1952, just after joining the All Stars (move the time bar up to 2:00)...

Here's Marty on TV's first Timex jazz show with Bobby Hackett in 1957...

Here's Marty with Jack Teagarden and Louis Armstrong on the same Timex show...

Here's Marty with Armstrong in 1966...

Here's Marty with Louis Armstrong at Fort Hood in Texas in 1967...

And here's Marty in 1968 playing Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof...

A special thanks to Geri Reichgut, a devoted friend of Marty's and a tireless supporter and promoter of the man and his music. I'll miss Marty.

Used with permission by Marc Myers