Note: Earlier in 2021, jazz writer Dave Radlauer was offered a collection of recordings by the Red Onion Jazz Band—from the collection of Dick Dreiwitz, the band’s last trombonist. Dave sent out a plea for help in preserving and distributing the recordings. At the same time, The Syncopated Times’ Joe Bebco asked for interested parties to consider writing a detailed article on the Red Onion Jazz Band. In this article, we will touch on the origins of the Red Onion Jazz Band, its lineup from the 1950s on, and a development which may keep the Red Onion sound alive for future audiences.
As the Jazz Revival flourished in the 1950s, outstanding bands of young musicians could be heard across the US Groups such as the Bay City Jazz Band, South Frisco Jazz Band, the El Dorado Jazz Band and Bob Mielke’s Bearcats joined the ranks of established ensembles like the Salty Dogs, Dixieland Rhythm Kings, Tailgate Jazz Band and the Polecats. One such group, which lasted well into the 2000s, was the New York-based Red Onion Jazz Band, led by drummer-washboardist Robert Thompson.
Thompson, a native New Yorker, served in the U.S. Army from 1941-46, earned a degree in Chemistry from Columbia University and worked as a chemist before studying Psychology. He wrote for The Record Changer magazine and played washboard on a 1951 session which included cornetist Carl Halen and pianist Bob Greene. In 195
