Clifford Scott
Clifford Donley Scott (June 21, 1928 – April 19, 1993) was a prominent American saxophonist and flautist known for his work in jazz, blues, and R&B. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Scott began his musical journey in a family band as a drummer and later learned to play piano, violin, and clarinet. As a teenager, he shifted his focus to the saxophone, which would become his primary instrument.
Scott's professional career took off in the late 1940s when he played in a house band at San Antonio's Avalon Grill. He went on to work with notable musicians such as Amos Milburn, Jay McShann, Lionel Hampton, Roy Brown, and Roy Milton. In 1955, Scott joined Bill Doggett's ensemble, where he co-wrote and performed the iconic saxophone solo in the hit instrumental "Honky Tonk," which became a defining moment in his career.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Scott demonstrated his versatility by transitioning into pop and jazz. He worked with artists like Sonny Thompson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Gerald Wilson, and Onzy Matthews, and was a member of Ray Charles's band from 1966 to 1968 and again in 1970. Scott also recorded as a leader, releasing albums such as "Out Front" and "The Big Ones" in the early 1960s.
Later in his career, Scott focused on performing locally in San Antonio, collaborating with musicians like George Prado and Jim Cullum, Jr. Despite his significant contributions to music, Scott did not record many jazz albums after the 1960s. He passed away in San Antonio in 1993, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire saxophonists and music enthusiasts.
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