Alto & Soprano Saxophone | 1907-1970

Born John Cornelius Hodges in Cambridge, Massachusetts on 25 July 1907, Johnny Hodges became one of jazz history's most influential alto saxophonists, known for a tone Duke Ellington said sometimes brought tears to the eyes. Self-taught on drums and piano before taking up soprano at 14, he met Sidney Bechet in Boston in 1922 and received lessons whilst also learning alto. After playing with Lloyd Scott, Luckey Roberts, and Chick Webb, he joined Duke Ellington's Orchestra in November 1928, immediately becoming a top soloist known for lush tone and mastery of portamento.

Hodges became Ellington's most featured soloist for four decades, playing lead alto and inspiring compositions including "Jeep's Blues", "Confab with Rab", and "Hodge Podge", which he co-wrote. Ellington showcased his ballad mastery on "Warm Valley", "Passion Flower", "In a Sentimental Mood", and Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count". From 1951 to 1955 he led his own group, scoring a hit with "Castle Rock" and recording for Norgran and Verve before returning to Ellington in 1955. Benny Goodman called him the greatest alto saxophonist, Charlie Parker called him "the Lily Pons of his instrument", and John Coltrane considered him his first model. He died suddenly on 11 May 1970, aged 62.