Shep Shepherd


Berisford Shepherd, professionally known as Shep Shepherd, was an American multi-instrumental jazz musician, composer and singer.

Career

In 1941, Benny Carter contacted Shepherd after hearing him play, and this resulted in Shepherd working for Carter and eventually moving to New York City. Shepherd also started working for Artie Shaw in 1941.
In 1952, Shepherd began working as part of Bill Doggett's group. In 1956, Shepherd helped write Doggett's signature song, Honky Tonk.
Late in his career, Shepherd switched his primary focus from drums to trombone, claiming that it was easier to carry. In 1995, he and Art Harris formed the group "Blues Fuse", with Harris playing Hammond Organ and singing, and Robert Labbe on drums and they regularly performed in San Francisco through at least 2000 and released at least one CD.
Musicians Shepherd has worked with include Patti Page, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, The Ward Singers, Earl Bostic, Buck Clayton, and Odetta.
Shep Shepherd is listed in The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz and Who’s Who Among Black Americans.

Personal life

Shepherd was a relative of environmental activist John Francis. In 2007, he moved to Orange County and met his wife Joy. He turned 100 in January 2017. He died in November 2018 at the age of 101.

Discography

With Bill Doggett
With Artie Shaw
With others