Truck Parham

Charles Valdez "Truck" Parham (January 25, 1911 – June 5, 2002) was an American jazz double-bassist.[1]

Parham was born in Chicago[1] and was first a professional sportsman: he was a boxer and played football with the Chicago Negro All Stars.[2] He played drums before settling on bass, and studied under Walter Page.[2] He was part of Zack Whyte's band in 1932-34, playing primarily in Cincinnati, but was mostly a singer and valet for the band, the latter activity giving rise to his nickname.[1] After returning to Chicago, he played with Zutty Singleton, Roy Eldridge (1936–38), Art Tatum, and Bob Shoffner in the 1930s.[2] In 1940 he joined Earl Hines's orchestra, where he remained for two years; in 1942 he was hired by Jimmie Lunceford and played with him until 1947.[2]

Parham continued to play revival gigs with Muggsy Spanier (1950–55), Herbie Fields (1956–57), Hines again, and Louie Bellson.[2] He spent much of the 1960s working with Art Hodes, and played in numerous Dixieland jazz groups later in his career.[2] Parham never recorded as a leader, though he recorded profusely as a sideman.[2] He continued playing into the 2000s, being a member of Franz Jackson's band in 2000.[1] Parham died in Chicago on June 5, 2002.[1]