12 Facts About Panama Francis

David Albert "Panama" Francis was an American swing jazz drummer who played on numerous hit recordings in the 1950s.

Panama Francis's father was Haitian, and "his mother came from an English property-owning background in the Bahamas".

Panama Francis was part of George Kelly's band from 1934 to 1938, and was then with the Florida Collegians in 1938.

Panama Francis joined Lucky Millinder's big band in 1940, so often played at the Savoy Ballroom.

For much of the 1950s, Panama Francis was a studio musician in New York, accompanying rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll groups and singers.

From 1963 Panama Francis toured with singer Dinah Shore for five years.

Panama Francis then resided in California but struggled to find work.

Back in New York, Panama Francis was part of Sy Oliver's nonet from 1973 to 1975, during which time he appeared at jazz festivals and toured internationally with other bands.

Panama Francis revived the Savoy Sultans jazz and dance band in 1979, and he appeared regularly at the Rainbow Room in New York City for eight years from 1980.

Panama Francis became drummer in the Benny Goodman Quartet for concerts in 1982.

Panama Francis appeared in the 1994 film The Statesmen of Jazz as a member of the Statesmen of Jazz.

David Panama Francis died on November 13,2001, following a stroke, at age 82.