Though he studied at Xavier University and played in many New Orleans bands, Aaron Bell was no traditionalist. He was rather one of the best bassists ever in the Duke Ellington band; his powerful lines and graceful, yet sturdy support provided a rich presence in the rhythm section alongside drummer Sam Woodyard and the Duke on piano.

Bell was in the Navy from 1942 to 1946, then worked with Andy Kirk in 1947. He returned to his native Oklahoma and taught music before resuming his own education at New York University. Bell recorded and worked with Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson and Lester Young in the '50s, while leading his own trio. They recorded in 1955 and 1958. Bell backed vocalists, and played with combos and in the Broadway show "Compulsion" before joining Ellington in 1960. He remained until 1962, then did sessions and worked in theater. He became resident composer at La Mama, an experimental New Jersey theater, in 1972.

Bell also taught music in Newark and earned his masters at Columbia in 1975. He continued to teach until retiring in the early-'90s; he passed away at a Bronx, New York hospital on July 28, 2003 at the age of 82. Aaron Bell can be heard on various sessions from, among others, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Johnny Hodges, and Billie Holiday.

Ron Wynn -All Music Guide