Don Ewell was born November 14, 1916 in Baltimore, Maryland. Playing stride piano, from 1956 to 1962, Ewell was a leading member of the Jack Teagarden band. Following Teagarden's death Ewell did several European tours before moving back to New Orleans, playing clubs and hotels.

Ewell played with such musicians as Sidney Bechet, Kid Ory, George Lewis, George Brunis, Muggsy Spanier,