Dave Wilborn


Dave Wilborn was an American jazz singer and banjoist, best known for his time as a member of McKinney's Cotton Pickers.

Biography

Wilborn started on piano at the age of 12 but switched to banjo soon after. He played with Cecil and Lloyd Scott in 1922, then joined William McKinney's Synco Septet, which became the Cotton Pickers soon after. He sang and played banjo for the group until its dissolution in 1934, and when it reformed a short time later he remained in the group until 1937. In 1928, he also recorded with Louis Armstrong, but no record is found today.
After 1937, Wilborn worked as a bandleader until 1950, after which he left full-time performance. When David Hutson formed the New McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Wilborn also played in this ensemble. He sings and plays on their albums New McKinney's Cotton Pickers and Rated "G".