Willie Smith

Within the 1930s, Willie Smith positioned third among alto saxophonists, just behind Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter. He previously a unique sound and a swinging design that was a significant asset to Jimmy Lunceford’s orchestra. Smith also added periodic vocals (“Tempo Is certainly Our Business” was his best-known documenting) plus some effective clarinet solos through the era, furthermore to composing some fine plans for Lunceford. Willie Smith began on clarinet, obtained a chemistry level at Fisk University or college, and became Lunceford’s altoist in 1929. An excellent lead player as well as the most powerful soloist within the ensemble-oriented orchestra, Smith was among the stars within the big music group until 1942. At that time, underpaid by Lunceford and weary of non-stop touring, he departed. Following a 12 months with Charlie Spivak along with a 12 months within the Navy, Smith became a member of Harry Wayne’ big music group, where he was paid correctly and greatly valued. Well-featured with Wayne, Smith remained for seven years the very first time, before becoming a member of Duke Ellington in 1951 (within “the fantastic Wayne robbery”). After assisting Ellington replace the departure of Johnny Hodges, Smith spent period with Billy May’s orchestra at that time the arranger’s big music group was getting on, before time for Wayne in 1954, where he remained for another 10 years. He took periodic period off for use Norman Granz’s Jazz in the Philharmonic and was presented on a few of Granz’s Verve jam program information, including 1953’s Apple Jam. After mainly retiring, Willie Smith documented his just full-length recording for GNP Crescendo (1965) and documented with Charlie Barnet before loss of life from cancer.