Don Stovall

Among the great alto-saxophonists from the 1940’s, Don Stovall’s decision to retire completely from music even though even now in his perfect has resulted in him getting quite obscure in jazz background books. Stovall began playing violin before switching to alto. In St. Louis in early stages he caused Dewey Jackson, Destiny Marable (on riverboats) and Eddie Johnson’s Crackerjacks (1932-33). Stovall relocated to Buffalo for a couple years where he mainly led his personal groups and experienced a brief stint with Lil Armstrong. After relocating to NEW YORK in 1939, Stovall caused Sammy Cost, Snub Mosely, Eddie Durham’s Big Music group as well as the Cootie Williams Orchestra (1941). His most well-known association was with Crimson Allen’s Sextet, a rambunctious group that combined collectively Dixieland with early R&B and leap/jazz. The altoist was presented on many information with Allen. Don Stovall made the decision in 1950 to retire from music and he spent the others of his existence working for the telephone company! Regrettably he by no means led his personal record day but he do record with Allen, Lil Armstrong, Pete Johnson, Sammy Cost and Snub Mosley amongst others.