Darnell Howard (July 25, 1895 in Chicago – September 2, 1966 in San Francisco)[1] was an American jazz clarinetist and violinist.
[1][2] Howard's jazz violin is featured on the Hines band's February, 1933 recording of the Earl Hines/Jimmy Mundy swing composition "Cavernism".
After 1962, Howard suffered a prolonged illness,[1] and after recuperating he played with Elmer Snowden, Burt Bales, and his own groups.
Around 1964 or 1965, Howard could be found playing weekends at a pizza joint called LaVal's on Euclid Avenue in Berkeley.
He played largely with a pick-up band of local amateur musicians (often including the San Francisco comedian Mal Sharpe on trombone).