Ben Branch facts for kids

Ben F. Branch (born January 8, 1928 – died August 27, 1987) was a talented American musician. He was a jazz tenor saxophonist and a bandleader. He also started his own businesses.

Many people remember Ben Branch because of his connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Ben Branch was the last person Dr. King spoke to. This happened just moments before Dr. King's death in 1968. Even before this, Branch was a well-known jazz bandleader for many years.

Ben Branch's Music Journey

Ben Branch had a long and interesting music career. He played with many famous musicians. He also helped new artists get their start.

Early Recordings

In 1949, Ben Branch played on B.B. King's very first recordings. Ben played the saxophone. His brother, Thomas, played the trumpet. They were part of the horn section. B.B. King remembered this session. He said it was for a company called Bullet Records.

Branch recorded with B.B. King again in 1952. This was in Memphis. Other musicians like Hank Crawford and Ike Turner were also there.

Leading a Band

For much of the 1950s, Ben Branch led a band called the Largos. They were the house band at Curry's Club in North Memphis. A young Isaac Hayes got his first professional music jobs there. Branch gave him a chance to perform.

Later, in the early 1960s, Donald "Duck" Dunn joined Branch's big band. Dunn later became famous with the group Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He was the first white member of Branch's band.

Music Education and Performances

Ben Branch also believed in music education. In 1982, he started the American Music Hall of Fame. This was a private music school in Chicago.

A few months before he passed away, Branch performed at the 1987 Chicago Blues Festival. He played with his band. They backed up the musician Rosco Gordon.

Branch also recorded music with other artists. These included Brother Jack McDuff, Etta James, Little Milton, and Phil Upchurch. Ben Branch studied music in college. He earned a degree from Tennessee State University.

Ben Branch's Business Ventures

Besides music, Ben Branch was also a businessman. He started his own company.

Doctor Branch Products

In 1983, Branch founded Doctor Branch Products Inc. This company was in Chicago, Illinois. It was special because it was the only soft-drink company in the nation owned by a black person.

His company grew quickly. It signed a big agreement. This deal was with Kemmerer Bottling Group. This group bottled popular soft drinks like 7Up. The agreement helped Doctor Branch Products drinks reach more people.

Helping Dr. King and Operation Breadbasket

Ben Branch played a very important role in the SCLC. This was a civil rights organization. He was the musical director for their program called Operation Breadbasket.

Music for a Cause

Branch led the Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir. They performed at events to raise money. These events supported Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Operation/PUSH.

Just before Dr. King was killed, he spoke to Ben Branch. Dr. King asked Branch to play a special song. It was a spiritual song called "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." Dr. King wanted it played at a rally later that night. His exact last words were, "Ben, make sure you play 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord' in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty."

The famous musician Cannonball Adderley mentioned Ben Branch. He did this in his 1969 album Country Preacher. Adderley recognized Branch for his great work. He praised Branch as the leader of the Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir.

While he was the musical director, Branch also helped young talent. He arranged for gospel singer Deleon Richards to perform. She sang at the Chicago Stadium.

Ben Branch's Recordings

Here are some of the recordings Ben Branch was involved in:

• 1964: "Beach Bash"/"Bush Bash" - with The Mar-Keys (Stax 45-156)
• 1968: The Last Request - with the Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir (Chess)
• 1969: Gin and Orange – with Brother Jack McDuff