Alto saxophonist and clarinetist Johnny Hodges – born on July 25, 1907, in
Cambridge, Massachusetts – was best known as a long-time member of Duke
Ellington’s big band as well as a solo artist in his own right. He first studied
percussion and piano before moving to Boston and discovering the saxophone
through his interactions with sax players Harry Carney, Howard E. Johnson, and
Charlie Holmes. Teaching himself the saxophone, he began playing at home
gatherings and local clubs, earning the nickname ‘The Rabbit.’ After seeing
saxophonist Sidney Bechet live and playing for him back...