Mousey Alexander

Elmer "Mousey" Alexander (June 19, 1922 – October 9, 1988) was an American jazz drummer. Born in Gary, Indiana, Alexander studied at the Roy Knapp School in Chicago. He is not related to Jamaican-born jazz pianist Monty Alexander. In the late 1940s, Alexander began to work with Jimmy McPartland in Chicago, and in 1952 he began playing in the band of pianist Marian McPartland. In the middle of the 1950s he played and recorded with the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra and guitarist Johnny Smith. In 1956 he accompanied Benny Goodman on a tour of the Far East. Later in the 1950s he worked often with Bud Freeman and Eddie Condon. He also played with Charlie Ventura, Red Norvo, Clark Terry, Ralph Sutton, Sy Oliver, and Doc Severinsen. He freelanced during the 1960s with several bands. In the 1970s he recorded for jazz producer Harry Lim and the Famous Door record label. Alexander suffered a stroke in 1980. After a period of recovery, he continued playing jazz until his death in 1988. He died of heart and kidney failure.