Hank Duncan
b. 26 October 1894, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA, d. 7 June 1968. In 1919, after studying piano at university, Hank Williams. He stayed with Williams for about five years, simultaneously carving out a reputation as a leading exponent of stride piano playing. After brief spells with Joe ‘King’ Oliver, Sidney Bechet and Tommy Ladnier, he joined Fats Waller, playing second piano. In the late '30s and early '40s he was a familiar figure on the New York club scene, playing with Zutty Singleton, Mezz Mezzrow, Bechet; recording with Gene Sedric, Snub Mosley; and also as nominal leader of a trio with Bingie Madison and Goldie Lucas. From 1947-63, with only a 15-month absence on another gig with Singleton, he was house pianist at Nick's in New York. During this period he made records with Tony Parenti. Duncan continued to play at clubs but suffered a long period of ill health before his death in June 1968.