Don Byas
Don Byas, born Carlos Wesley Byas on October 21, 1912, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist. He played a pivotal role in the transition from the swing era to the bebop era. Byas began his musical journey in the European classical tradition, learning violin, clarinet, and alto saxophone. He started performing in local orchestras at 17 and led his own college band, Don Carlos and His Collegiate Ramblers, while at Langston College.
In the late 1930s, Byas moved to New York City, where he played with prominent bands, including those of Don Redman and Andy Kirk. In 1941, he became a tenor saxophone soloist with Count Basie, contributing to songs like “Swinging the Blues” and “Harvard Blues.” Byas was associated with bebop pioneers like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and experimented with bop harmony and rhythm in small groups from 1943 to 1946.
Byas moved to Europe in 1946 with a Redman band and spent the rest of his life there, living in countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Denmark. He continued a successful freelance career, touring and recording frequently. Byas returned to the U.S. only once for a tour in 1970. He passed away on August 24, 1972, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His work, including performances like "A Tribute to Cannonball" (1961), showcased his enduring swing and creative vigor.
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