Spencer Odom

Background

Odom was the son of Carrie Combs and Walter D. Odom.

Career

He received public musical education at Chicago Piano College, with private lessons under T. T. Taylor and Mistress Estelle Bonds. His theory, arranging, composition and orchestral training were received under Major North. Clark Smith, who formed an orchestra from his best students including Ray Nance, Oliver Coleman, Claud Adams and Jesse Simpkins. Odom was pianist and arranger for many well known bands, Dave Peyton and Lionel Hampton, and was the pianist for the popular Flying Home record.

He also made arrangements for Vincent Lopez.

He accompanied and arranged for the Southernaires and the Mariners with Arthur Godfrey. In 1950, Odom was arranger and conductor for the Frank Buck recording Tiger (record album).

A 15 minute break had been called and while Odom and his partner were talking, Odom suddenly slumped to the floor. Doctors were called but failed to revive him.

Connections

associate:

Bill Hyer