Alton Purnell earned lasting recognition for his role in George Lewis' Ragtime Band, where his memorable introductions, straightforward yet swinging solos, and reliable ensemble contributions stood out. Before turning professional on piano, he worked as a vocalist in his native New Orleans, launching his instrumental career there in 1928. Throughout the following decade he performed with Isaiah Morgan, Alphonse Picou, "Big Eye" Louis Nelson, Sidney Desvigne's big band, Cousin Joe, and numerous other leaders. Although brass-band work remained outside his scope, he maintained steady employment at local clubs and cabarets across the city. Joining Bunk Johnson's group in 1945 introduced him to George Lewis; after that band disbanded in 1946, Purnell returned briefly to New Orleans before becoming a central figure in Lewis' ensemble. During the 1950s he accompanied Lewis on worldwide tours and appeared on countless recordings, among them the definitive treatment of "The Saints." Relocating to Los Angeles in 1957, he performed alongside Teddy Buckner, the ironically named Young Men From New Orleans, Joe Darensbourg, Kid Ory, Barney Bigard, and Ben Pollack. Guest soloist engagements occupied much of the 1960s, and later in the decade he joined the Legends Of Jazz. His final two decades centered on pickup bands, where his likable and joyous approach remained consistently in demand. Leading his own sessions, Alton Purnell recorded for Warner Bros. (1958), 77, Dixie, the Danish CSA label, the French Pragmaphone label, Alligator Jazz, and GHB.
