George Duvivier
b. 17 August 1920, New York City, New York, USA, d. 11 July 1985. After formal musical education, mostly on violin, Duvivier worked with a New York symphony orchestra but soon entered the jazz world where, having recognized the limitations of the violin in that area, he switched to bass. In the early '40s he worked with several leading artists in small and large group settings, among them Coleman Hawkins and Lucky Millinder. He also began arranging and contributing many musical scores for the later Jimmie Lunceford band and the elegant but short-lived Sy Oliver big band. In the '50s he worked extensively in the studios, often accompanying singers on record, with some of whom he also collaborated on tours at home and overseas. Among these were demanding performers such as Lena Horne and Pearl Bailey. He also played with small groups, an activity he continued alongside his writing into the '60s. During this period he was with bands led by Terry Gibbs, Bud Powell, Shelly Manne, Eric Dolphy, Benny Goodman and Ben Webster. A dominant force in any rhythm section, Duvivier played with great precision and attack. He continued to play jazz dates around the world through the '70s and into the '80s, working with musicians such as Zoot Sims, Joe Venuti, Hank Jones and Warren Vaché Jnr.