Piano, band leader.
Raised near Tacoma, pianist Al Pierre was Seattle’s first professional African-American swing band leader, playing at the Savoy Ballroom at East Madison Street and 21st Avenue. He played in the Portland area before establishing himself in Seattle around 1934. His “little big band” had a regular gig at the Union Club, at First Avenue and Cherry Street, from 1943-49, and featured some of the top players in town, including drummer Vernon Brown and saxophonists Jabo Ward and Terry Cruise. For a while, Pierre owned his own club at 12th Avenue and Yesler Street, Al’s Lucky Hour. Pierre’s last hurrah was a tour to Alaska around 1949-50, after which he became ill and is believed to have died shortly thereafter.
Jackson Street After Hours (print). No known online links.