Johnny hodges

Johnny Hodges [.12.]

Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra 1930. with Johnny Hodges on clarinet

Johnny Hodges was a brilliant saxophonist who graced many of Duke Ellington's recordings, and even sat in on a key session with Sinatra.

American jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges relaxing during a recording session with Duke Ellington in Chicago, IL, 1966. Hodges was best known for solo work he did with Duke Ellingtons big band.

Johnny Hodges - played saxophone with Duke Ellington

The singer, the arranger and the Duke’s Men: Saxophonists Johnny Hodges (left) and Harry Carney, with Sy Oliver and Frank Sinatra (1946).

Johnny Hodges

Oscar Pettiford and Johnny Hodges

A portrait of American alto saxophonist, John Cornelius “Johnny” Hodges, playing the saxophone. Best known for his solo work with Duke Ellington’s big band, Hodges was featured on a countless number of performances with Ellington and also had many chances to lead recording dates with Ellington’s sidemen.

The Duke, Nat King Cole and Johnny Hodges

Johnny Hodges was born July 25, 1906 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He took up the soprano saxophone at 14. He worked in Boston and New York during the mid-1920s, playing in bands led by Lloyd Scott, Chick Webb, Bobby Sawyer, Luckey Roberts, and Bechet. He joined Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1928 and was the band's most-featured soloist for the next four decades. In 1951 he formed his own combo.

Within his own milieu, he was admired for his keen intellect, his generosity of spirit, his Auntie Mame-like zest for life and his gleeful willingness … Read More "Billy Strayhorn: His Lush Life"

Johnny Hodges

Gonsalves, Ashby, Carney, & Hodges

The End of Jazz - The Atlantic

One of the greatest saxophonists in jazz history, Johnny Hodges earned notoriety for his work with Duke Ellington's band—particularly for his solos. He was also a master of fashion.

Johnny Hodges