Johnny Hodges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Hodges
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Hodges playing a Conn 6M with Al Sears in background, 1946
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cornelius Hodges |
| Born | July 25, 1907 Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Died | May 11, 1970 (aged 62) New York City |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1924–1970 |
| Associated acts | |
Johnny Hodges (born Cornelius Hodges on July 25, 1907 – died May 11, 1970) was an amazing American alto saxophonist. He was most famous for his solo performances with Duke Ellington's big band. Johnny played the main alto saxophone in the band for many years.
He also played the soprano saxophone early in his career. Many people think Hodges, along with Benny Carter, was one of the best alto saxophone players of the big band era.
Johnny started his music career as a teenager in Boston. He later moved to New York and played with several bands. In 1928, Duke Ellington wanted to make his band bigger. Ellington's clarinet player, Barney Bigard, suggested Hodges. Johnny's unique sound quickly became a key part of the Ellington orchestra.
From 1951 to 1955, Hodges left Duke Ellington to lead his own band. But he returned to Ellington's band just before their famous performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival.
Contents
About Johnny Hodges' Life
Early Years and Music
Johnny Hodges was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His parents, John H. and Katie Swan Hodges, were from Virginia. His family later moved to Boston, where he grew up. He lived near other saxophonists like Harry Carney, who also joined Duke Ellington's band.
Johnny first learned to play the drums and piano. His mother was a great piano player. But Johnny mostly taught himself to play music. He played piano at dances for money when he was young. By his teenage years, he started playing the soprano saxophone.
People called him "Rabbit." Some say it was because he was fast and could outrun school officers. Others, like Harry Carney, said he nibbled on lettuce and tomato sandwiches like a rabbit.
When Johnny was 14, he saw Sidney Bechet play in Boston. Johnny's older sister introduced him to Bechet. Bechet was impressed when Johnny played "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" on his soprano saxophone. Bechet encouraged him and even gave him saxophone lessons. Johnny became well-known in Boston before moving to New York City in 1924.
Playing with Duke Ellington
Johnny Hodges joined Duke Ellington's orchestra in November 1928. He was one of the important members who played in Benny Goodman's famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Goodman said Hodges was "by far the greatest man on alto sax that I ever heard."
Even Charlie Parker, another famous saxophonist, called him "the Lily Pons of his instrument." John Coltrane looked up to Hodges. He even called him "the world's greatest saxophone player."
Duke Ellington often wrote songs especially for his band members. This led to many famous songs that featured Hodges. Some of these include "Confab with Rab," "Jeep's Blues," and "Sultry Sunset." Other songs where you can hear Hodges' smooth alto saxophone include "Prelude to a Kiss" and "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)."
Johnny had a very clear sound and played melodies simply. This made him admired by musicians of all styles. His unique way of playing, with a wide vibrato (a wavering effect) and sliding between notes, was often copied. He was also called Jeep and Rabbit because of his calm face while playing beautiful music.
Johnny's Saxophones
In the 1940s, Johnny Hodges played a Conn 6M alto saxophone. Later, he used a Buescher 400 alto saxophone. Towards the end of his career in the late 1960s, Hodges played a special Vito LeBlanc Rationale alto saxophone. This instrument had unusual keys and hole placements that made it sound very clear. Not many of these saxophones were made. Johnny's Vito saxophone was silver-plated and had beautiful designs carved into it.
His Final Years
Johnny Hodges' last performances were in Toronto, Canada. He passed away less than a week later, on May 11, 1970. He died from a heart attack while visiting a dental office. His last recordings are on an album called New Orleans Suite. This album was not fully finished when he died.
Johnny was married twice. He had a daughter with his first wife, Bertha Pettiford. With his second wife, Edith Cue, he had a son (John C. Hodges II) and another daughter (Lorna Lee).
Duke Ellington was very sad when Johnny passed away. He told JET magazine, "The band will never sound the same without Johnny." Ellington also said about Hodges: "He was not the most exciting performer on stage. But his tone was so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes—this was Johnny Hodges. This is Johnny Hodges."
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Hodges para niños
