Buster Smith facts for kids

Henry Franklin "Buster" Smith (born August 24, 1904 – died August 10, 1991) was an amazing American jazz musician. People also called him Professor Smith. He was a fantastic alto saxophonist and even taught the famous jazz legend Charlie Parker. Buster Smith helped create a special sound called the "Texas Sax Sound" in the 1930s with other great musicians like Count Basie and Lester Young.

He played his saxophone for many famous band leaders, including Duke Ellington and Earl Hines. He also played with the wonderful singer Ella Fitzgerald. Buster recorded his only album as a band leader in 1959. He planned to record more, but an accident stopped him from playing the saxophone.

Who Was Buster Smith?

Buster Smith was a very important jazz musician. He was known for his powerful saxophone playing. He also helped many young musicians learn about jazz. His unique sound influenced many other artists.

Early Life and Music

Buster Smith was born on August 24, 1904, in Alsdorf, Texas. This was a small town near Dallas. His parents gave him the nickname "Buster" because he was a big baby. He was one of five brothers. Sadly, two of his older brothers died from measles when they were young.

Buster's parents loved music. His mother played music, and his father played the guitar. When Buster was only four years old, he played the organ with his brother, Boston Smith. Buster played the keys, and Boston used the foot pedals. Later, his grandfather gave the organ away.

Starting His Music Career

In 1919, Buster worked hard picking cotton for a week. He earned enough money to buy a clarinet for $3.50. By the time he was eighteen, he could play several instruments. In 1922, Buster and his family moved to Dallas. He joined a group called the Voodie White Trio. He played the alto saxophone and clarinet with them.

In 1923, Buster started his professional music career. He played alto saxophone for traveling "medicine shows." He had to play very loudly to attract customers. This helped him create his own loud and strong musical style. Because of his playing, Oran "Hot Lips" Page invited Buster to join his group, the Oklahoma City Blue Devils, in 1925. Buster wrote a lot of music for the Blue Devils.

Becoming a Jazz Star

When Buster joined the Blue Devils, the band had many talented musicians. These included Walter Page, Oran Page, Lester Young, Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, and Emir "Bucket" Coleman. They toured around the Kansas City area, playing jazz music. This helped all the band members become well-known.

Later, Basie and Page left the group. Buster also left soon after. He and Count Basie then formed their own band, the Buster Smith-Count Basie Band of Rhythm. They created a new, louder style of jazz. Buster helped make this sound by using a tenor saxophone reed on his alto saxophone. This made his sound louder and "fatter." Lester Young also joined the band. To match Buster's loud sound, he used a harder reed too. This special sound was later called the "Texas Sax Sound."

Buster became very influential in the Texas music world. He became a mentor to the legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker in the 1930s. They had a close "father-son relationship" as Buster guided Parker.

Teaching and Writing Music

In 1941, Buster decided to stop touring and return to Dallas. However, he stayed very active in the local music scene. For many years, he wrote music for jazz and blues bands. He played often and taught many young musicians in Texas. Some of his students included Aaron "T-Bone" Walker and Red Garland. He also played with other artists like Pete Johnson's Boogie-Woogie Boys and the Don Redman Orchestra.

Solo Album and Later Years

In 1959, Buster recorded his first solo album in Fort Worth. This was arranged by Atlantic Records. The album was called The Legendary Buster Smith. Some of his famous songs from this album included "Kansas City Riffs," "Buster's Tune," "E Flat Boogie," and Kurt Weill's "September Song." For these recordings, Buster's brother Boston Smith played the piano. Other musicians he had worked with throughout his career also joined him.

In the 1960s, Buster was in a car accident. He was injured and could no longer play the saxophone. To keep making music, he started playing the bass guitar. He continued to be a part of the Dallas music community. Buster led a dance music band until 1980. In the mid-1980s, he played in a group called the Legendary Revelations. Buster Smith passed away in Dallas on August 10, 1991, from a heart attack.

His Music (Discography)

• The Legendary Buster Smith, Atlantic Records, 1959 (Reissued by Koch Records, 1999)