Duke Ellington and his Orchestra

In this late 1960’s footage alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges jams with Duke Ellington.

Largely a self-taught player Johnny Hodges was inspired to take up saxophone
by Sidney Bechet as a young teen building a local following in Boston before moving to New York in 1924. Hodges joined Duke Ellington’s orchestra in November 1928 where he remained for much of his career.

Click here to Support 30sJazz