Chicago jazz drummer Wilber Campbell was highly respected among his peers. His skills were so superior that stellar drummer Jack DeJohnette considered him a mentor. At DuSable High School on Chicago's south side, Campbell trained with the legendary Captain Walter Dyett, who also helped to develop other jazz giants such as Gene Ammons, Eddie Harris, Von Freeman, and Dorothy Donegan. His other talents as a vibe and piano player helped Campbell to make his drums sound really "musical" since he employed harmonic theory and song nuances. He knew how to "hang back" and not overpower the lead vocalist or instrument while at the same time listening and devising ways to enhance the lead. As talented as he was, Campbell was never a touring musician and kept his job as a substance abuse counselor while playing around Chicago on nights and weekends. At the age of 73, Wilbur Campbell died at his south side Chicago home on December 30, 1999. He can be heard on Priceless Jazz by John Klemmer, Chicago Sound by Wilbur Ware, Chicago Jazz Tour, Ira Sullivan Quintet: Blue Stroll, Blue Dex: Dexter Gordon Plays the Blues, The Chase! by Gene Ammons, Nicky's Tune by Ira Sullivan, Stablemates by Eric Alexander, Blues Holiday by Jodie Christian, and Silvering by Louis Smith. ~ Ed Hogan, Rovi