Bennett Lester Carter was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. With Johnny Hodges, he was a pioneer on the alto saxophone. From the beginning of his career in the 1920s, he worked as an arranger including written charts for Fletcher Henderson's big band that shaped the swing style. He had an unusually long career that lasted into the 1990s. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was nominated for eight Grammy Awards, which included receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Benny Carter
Carter stands with Robert Goffin, Louis Armstrong, and Leonard Feather in 1942.
Portrait of Benny Carter, Apollo Theatre, New York City, c. October 1946
Carter performs at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1985.
John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges was an American alto saxophonist, best known for solo work with Duke Ellington's big band. He played lead alto in the saxophone section for many years. Hodges was also featured on soprano saxophone, but refused to play soprano after 1946. Along with Benny Carter, Hodges is considered to be one of the definitive alto saxophone players of the big band era.
Hodges playing a Conn 6M with Al Sears in background, 1946
In performance: Hodges with Ellington, Frankfurt, Germany, February 6, 1965.
