Benny Payne

Benny Payne's main claim to fame is that he was Cab Calloway's regular pianist during the singer's prime years, although Payne had a long career both before and after his association with Cab. Payne began playing piano when he was 12, working as an organist at a Philadelphia church as a teenager. He became a professional in 1926, worked locally, and was with Wilbur Sweatman's band for six months in 1928. Fats Waller gave him some unofficial lessons; they recorded two piano duets in 1929. Payne worked as singer Elisabeth Welch's accompanist, was a member of the Blackbirds of 1929 show (with which he toured Europe), appeared in Hot Chocolates, and accompanied Gladys Bentley. Payne was with Cab Calloway from November 1931 until he had to join the Army in late 1943. Although he did not solo much, he was a major asset to the group and gave the big band stability, in addition to contributing to the solid rhythm section. After he was discharged from the Army, Payne rejoined Calloway until August 1946, worked with Pearl Bailey, and had his own trio. Starting in 1950 he worked regularly as pianist and musical director for singer Billy Daniels, primarily performing in the world of cabaret before retiring and settling in Los Angeles. Benny Payne, who recorded as a sideman with Calloway and Daniels, only led one record date, a 1955 album for Kapp.
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