Earl Bostic
Eugene Earl Bostic, born on April 25, 1913, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a pioneering American alto saxophonist known for his mastery across multiple genres, including jazz, swing, jump blues, and rhythm and blues. Bostic's career began in his youth, playing clarinet and saxophone, and he turned professional at 18 with Terence Holder's "Twelve Clouds of Joy." He graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans and made his recording debut with Lionel Hampton in 1939.
Bostic led a house band at Smalls Paradise in 1938 and 1944, where he also played guitar and trumpet. He was a regular at Minton's Playhouse jam sessions in the early 1940s. In 1945, he formed his own band, recording for the Majestic label, and transitioned to rhythm and blues in the late 1940s. His hits like "Flamingo," "Temptation," and "Sleep" showcased his signature growl on the alto saxophone.
Bostic's influence extended to future jazz greats, with musicians like John Coltrane, Blue Mitchell, and Benny Golson passing through his band. His work in the 1950s and 1960s included hits that blended jazz and R&B, although his commercial success sometimes led to perceptions of him as a sell-out in the jazz community. Despite this, his technical prowess and innovative style left a lasting impact on the music world.
Bostic suffered from heart issues later in life, experiencing multiple heart attacks, with the final one occurring on stage in Rochester, New York, on October 28, 1965, leading to his death at the age of 52. His legacy endures through his recordings and the influence he had on subsequent generations of musicians.
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