Hilton Jefferson (July 30, 1903 – November 14, 1968)^[1] was an American jazz alto saxophonist born in Danbury, Connecticut, United States,^[1] perhaps best known for leading the saxophone section from 1940 to 1949 in the Cab Calloway band.^[2] Jefferson is said to have been "a soft, delicate saxophone player, with an exquisite sensibility."^[3]

In 1929, Jefferson began his professional career with Claude Hopkins, and throughout the 1930s was busy working for the big bands of Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and McKinney's Cotton Pickers.^[1] From 1952–1953, Jefferson performed with Duke Ellington, but ultimately became a bank guard to support himself with a steady income.^[1] In the 1950s, he continued to perform, especially with Rex Stewart and some former members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.^[1]

Discography

With Dizzy Gillespie

• Afro (Norgran, 1954)
• Dizzy and Strings (Norgran, 1954)
• Jazz Recital (Norgran, 1955)
• The Big Band Sound of Dizzy Gillespie (Verve, 1973)

With Rex Stewart

• Rendezvous with Rex (Felsted, 1958)
• The Big Reunion (Jazztone, 1958)
• Henderson Homecoming (United Artists, 1959)
• Porgy & Bess Revisited with Cootie Williams (Warner Bros., 1959)

With others

• Buster Bailey, All About Memphis (Felsted, 1958)
• Coleman Hawkins, Things Ain't What They Used to Be (Swingville, 1961)
• Tina Louise, It's Time for Tina (Urania, 1957)
• Al Sears and Taft Jordan, Rockin' in Rhythm (Swingville, 1960)
• Maxine Sullivan, Leonard Feather Presents Maxine Sullivan (Period, 1956)
• Bob Wilber, For Saxes Only! (Music Minus One, 1962)
• Jimmy Witherspoon, Goin' to Kansas City Blues (RCA Victor, 1958)

References

External links

• Hilton Jefferson recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings

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