Johnny Hodges: An Introduction

Johnny Hodges: An Introduction

In his eulogy for Johnny Hodges (1907-1970), Duke Ellington wrote of the alto saxophonist's inimitable tone as “so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes.” Similarly, legendary artists like Benny Goodman and John Coltrane have cited Johnny Hodges as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—saxophone masters ever. Indeed, the alto and soprano saxophone virtuoso, nicknamed “Rabbit,” wielded one of the most poignant and lyrical tones in all of jazz. Noted for his rich vibrato and sweepingly lyrical playing that always recalled his early hero and mentor Sidney Bechet, Hodges was also astonishingly versatile as a player, capable of extraordinary melodic runs as well as soulful blues work. Joining Ellington’s band in 1928, Hodges would shape the orchestra’s sound as its lead alto player. Though he did at times depart the band to lead side projects of his own, Hodges would ultimately remain with Ellington until Hodges’ passing in 1970. In turn, throughout their four decades together, Ellington would feature Hodges everywhere: from the iconic alto solo on 1932’s "It Don’t Mean a Thing," to the heart-wrenching, Billy Strayhorn-penned swan song "Blood Count" of 1967, to Hodges’ beautiful blues work on "Blues for New Orleans" during his final sessions with Ellington in 1970.

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