Dickie Wells was born in Centerville, Tennessee. He moved to New York City in 1926, and became a member of the Lloyd Scott band.

He played with Count Basie between 1938-1945 and 1947-1950. He also played with Cecil Scott, Spike Hughes, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Jimmy Rushing, Buck Clayton, and Ray Charles.

In his later years, Dicky suffered a severe beating that affected his memory, but he recovered and continued to perform. He played frequently at the West End jazz club at 116th and Broadway, most often with a band called The Countsmen, led by alto saxophonist Earle Warren, his colleague from Count Basie days. A trademark was Dicky's "pepper pot" mute which he made himself. Shortly after his death, Dicky's family donated his trombone to Rutgers University.

He died on November 12, 1985 in New York City.

External links

• 1974 interview
• Entry in Encyclopedia Britannica
• Entry on answers.com (copy of All Music Guide entry)