[Dixielandjazz] Re: Zutty Singleton

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Dick,
Thank you for the reply regarding Zutty [Arthur James] Singleton (1898-1975)
and the pronunciation of name.
However, having doubts about your most unlikely suggestion (sorry) that it
"is likely derivative of [the] Zoot suit craze of [the] 1940s", I decided to
research it.
Didn't take long.
Martin Williams in 'Jazz Masters of New Orleans' (Macmillan. 1967) says "He
acquired the name Zutty when he was still an infant; it is Creole patios for
cute and was given to him by an aunt while still in the cradle. He has kept
it, as a professional name (although it has been spelled various ways by
various nightclub owners, sign painters, and journalists) and once even used
it singly, in his mid-Thirties billing - Zutty and His Band."
Incidentally, this band recorded six titles for Decca in Chicago on 27 March
1935. Well worth tracking down if you can. (I'm playing them now.)
Kind regards,
Bill.