Joe Grauso

Jazz drummer, born 1897 in New York City, died June 11, 1952 in the same city. Professional musician from 1914. Formed own Happy Five Melody Boys in 1918 for year's residency at Arcadia Cabaret in Brooklyn, then worked for many years as percussionist in vaudeville theatres. Joined Art Hodes in 1941, own band for two years at club in Forest Hills. Worked at Nick's in New York from 1944, recorded with Miff Mole, Eddie Condon and others, regularly with Muggsy Spanier until 1945. In Billy Butterfield's band in 1948.