Born Cornelius Hodges on July 25, 1907 in Cambridge Massachusetts, the alto
saxophonist is better known by his stage name Johnny Hodges. Best remembered for
his work with Duke Ellington’s big band, he also had an impressive catalog of
releases as a leader in his own right. Earlier in Johnny Hodges career, he used
to play both alto and soprano saxophone, but beginning in 1946, he refused to
play soprano. Along with Benny Carter, his is considered one of the greatest
alto saxophonists of the big band era. After spending the early part of his
career playing in New York with Sidney B...