A fine section trumpeter who unfortunately rarely had opportunities to solo, Hemphill was a part of several major orchestras. Early on Hemphill toured with Bessie Smith as part of Fred Longshaw's band (1924). After attending Wilberforce College, he worked with Horace Henderson's Collegians. Hemphill was with Benny Carter (1928-29), Chick Webb (1930-31), the Mills Blue Rhythm Band (1931-37), Louis Armstrong's Orchestra (1937-44) and Duke Ellington (1944-49). After leaving Ellington, Shelton Hemphill (who never led his own record date) freelanced for a time but eventually retired from playing due to ill health. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi