Hilton Jefferson

Hilton Jefferson (July 30, 1903 – November 14, 1968) was an American jazz alto saxophonist born in Danbury, Connecticut, United States, perhaps best known for leading the saxophone section from 1940–1949 in the Cab Calloway band. Jefferson is said to have been "a soft, delicate saxophone player, with an exquisite sensibility."

In 1929, Jefferson began his professional career with Claude Hopkins, and throughout the 1930s was busy working for the big bands of Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and McKinney's Cotton Pickers. From 1952–1953, Jefferson performed with Duke Ellington, but ultimately became a bank guard to support himself with a steady income. In the 1950s, he continued to perform, especially with Rex Stewart and some former members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.

Birth and Death Data: Born July 30, 1903 (Danbury), Died November 14, 1968 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1929 - 1957

Roles Represented in DAHR: alto saxophone, clarinet, tenor saxophone

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BVE-57527 10-in. 11/6/1929 I'm lonesome, sweetheart King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-57528 10-in. 11/6/1929 I want you just myself King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-57529 10-in. 11/6/1929 I can't stop loving you King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-58338 10-in. 12/30/1929 Everybody does it in Hawaii King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone  
Victor BVE-58339 10-in. 12/30/1929 Frankie and Johnny King Oliver Orchestra ; Roy Smeck Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone  
Victor BVE-58340 10-in. 12/30/1929 New Orleans shout King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone  
Victor BVE-58527 10-in. 1/28/1930 St. James Infirmary King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-58528 10-in. 1/28/1930 When you're smiling (The whole world smiles with you) King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-59525 10-in. 3/18/1930 I must have it King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-59526 10-in. 3/18/1930 Rhythm Club stomp King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-59527 10-in. 3/18/1930 You're just my type King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-59747 10-in. 4/10/1930 Edna King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-59748 10-in. 4/10/1930 Boogie woogie King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-59749 10-in. 4/10/1930 Mule face blues King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone, clarinet  
Victor BVE-63134 10-in. 9/12/1930 What's the use of living without love George Bias ; King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-63135 10-in. 9/12/1930 (You were only) Passinig time with me George Bias ; King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-63639 10-in. 9/10/1930 Shake it and break it King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-63640 10-in. 9/10/1930 Stingaree blues King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-64013 10-in. 9/19/1930 Nelson stomp King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor BVE-64014 10-in. 9/19/1930 Stealing love King Oliver Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor MS-031431 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) approximately late Jan. 1939 Tea for two Chick Webb Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor MS-031432 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) approximately late Jan. 1939 Crazy rhythm Chick Webb Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Victor MS-031433 16-in. (33-1/3 rpm) approximately late Jan. 1939 Blue skies Chick Webb Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia C3519 10-in. 1/16/1941 Willow weep for me Cab Calloway Orchestra ; Cab Calloway ; Hilton Jefferson Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265135 10-in. 9/22/1933 Queer notions-1 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265136 10-in. 9/22/1933 It's the talk of the town Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265137 10-in. 9/22/1933 Night life-3 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265138 10-in. 9/22/1933 Nagasaki-2 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265144 10-in. 9/29/1933 Jamaica shout-1 Coleman Hawkins Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265150 10-in. 10/3/1933 Happy feet Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265151 10-in. 10/3/1933 I'm rhythm crazy now-1 Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265152 10-in. 10/3/1933 Old man river Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265153 10-in. 10/3/1933 Minnie the moocher's wedding day-1 Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265154 10-in. 10/3/1933 Ain't cha glad?-1 Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Columbia W265155 10-in. 10/3/1933 I've got to sing a torch song Horace Henderson Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Brunswick B17913 10-in. 7/31/1935 What a night, what a moon, what a girl Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Brunswick B17914 10-in. 7/31/1935 I'm painting the town red Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Brunswick B17915 10-in. 7/31/1935 It's too hot for words Billie Holiday ; Teddy Wilson Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 38598 10-in. 9/11/1934 Limehouse blues-1, 5 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38599 10-in. 9/11/1934 Shanghai shuffle-2, 3 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38600 10-in. 9/11/1934 Big John special-3, 4 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38601 10-in. 9/11/1934 Happy as the day is long-3, 5 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38602 10-in. 9/12/1934 Tidal wave-1, 4 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38603 10-in. 9/12/1934 Down South camp meeting-1, 2 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38604 10-in. 9/12/1934 Wrappin' it up-2, 3 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38605 10-in. 9/12/1934 Memphis blues-3 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38723 10-in. 9/25/1934 Wild party-1, 5 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38724 10-in. 9/25/1934 Rug cutter's swing-1, 2, 4 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38725 10-in. 9/25/1934 Hotter than 'ell-1, 4 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38728 10-in. 9/25/1934 Liza-1, 3 Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38870 10-in. 10/22/1934 Walkin' the dog Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38871 10-in. 10/22/1934 Sweetheart o' mine Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38872 10-in. 10/22/1934 Monkey business Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38873 10-in. 10/22/1934 Zozoi Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38986 10-in. 11/9/1934 Mandy Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 38987 10-in. 11/9/1934 Do you ever think of me? Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 39320 10-in. 2/1/1935 Trees Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 39321 10-in. 2/1/1935 Love in bloom Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 39322 10-in. 2/1/1935 June in January Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 63934 10-in. 6/9/1938 Pack up your sins and go to the devil Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 63935 10-in. 6/9/1938 MacPherson is rehearsin' to swing Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 63936 10-in. 6/9/1938 Everybody step Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 63937 10-in. 6/9/1938 Ella Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64459 10-in. 8/17/1938 Wacky dust Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64460 10-in. 8/17/1938 Gotta pebble in my shoe Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64461 10-in. 8/17/1938 I can't stop loving you Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64462 10-in. 8/18/1938 Strictly from Dixie Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64463 10-in. 8/18/1938 Woe is me Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64464 10-in. 8/18/1938 Who ya hunchin'? Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64465 10-in. 8/18/1938 I let a tear fall in the river Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 64573 10-in. 10/6/1938 F.D.R Jones Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 64574 10-in. 10/6/1938 I love each move you make Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 64575 10-in. 10/6/1938 It's foxy Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 64576 10-in. 10/6/1938 I found my yellow basket Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65039 10-in. 2/17/1939 Undecided Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65040 10-in. 2/17/1939 T'ain't what you do Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65041 10-in. 2/17/1939 In the groove at the Grove Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65042 10-in. 2/17/1939 One side of me Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65043 10-in. 2/17/1939 My heart belongs to Daddy Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65092 10-in. 3/2/1939 Once is enough for me Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65093 10-in. 3/2/1939 I had to live and learn Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65094 10-in. 3/2/1939 Sugar pie Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65095 10-in. 3/2/1939 It's slumbertime along the Swanee Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65096 10-in. 3/2/1939 I'm up a tree Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65097 10-in. 3/2/1939 Chew-chew-chew (Your bubble gum) Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65441 10-in. 4/21/1939 Don't worry 'bout me Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65442 10-in. 4/21/1939 If anything happened to you Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65443 10-in. 4/21/1939 If that's what you're thinking Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65444 10-in. 4/21/1939 If you ever change your mind Ella Fitzgerald and her Savoy Eight instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65445 10-in. 4/21/1939 Have mercy Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65446 10-in. 4/21/1939 Little white lies Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65447 10-in. 4/21/1939 Coochi-coochi-coo Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65448 10-in. 4/21/1939 That was my heart Chick Webb Orchestra instrumentalist, clarinet, alto saxophone  
Decca 65903 10-in. 6/29/1939 Betcha nickel Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65904 10-in. 6/29/1939 Stairway to the stars Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65905 10-in. 6/29/1939 I want the waiter (with the water) Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65906 10-in. 6/29/1939 That's all, brother Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 65907 10-in. 6/29/1939 Out of nowhere Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 66134 10-in. 8/18/1939 My last goodbye Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 66135 10-in. 8/18/1939 Billy (I always dream of Billy) Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 66136 10-in. 8/18/1939 Please tell me the truth Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 66137 10-in. 8/18/1939 I'm not complainin' Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 66138 10-in. 8/18/1939 Betcha nickel Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 67119 10-in. 1/26/1940 Is there somebody else ? Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 67120 10-in. 1/26/1940 Sugar blues Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 67121 10-in. 1/26/1940 The starlit hour Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 67122 10-in. 1/26/1940 What's the matter with me? Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85804 2/1/1954 Come rain or come shine Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85805 2/1/1954 Alla en el rancho grande Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85806 2/1/1954 What happened to the hair (on the head of the man I love) Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85807 2/1/1954 I wouldn't walk across the street Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85816 2/2/1954 Fernandez of the Andes Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 85817 2/2/1954 He's gone Pearl Bailey instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91836 10-in. 10/12/1939 You're gonna lose your gal Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91837 10-in. 10/12/1939 After I say I'm sorry Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91838 10-in. 10/12/1939 Baby, what else can I do? Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91839 10-in. 10/12/1939 My wubba dolly Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91840 10-in. 10/12/1939 Lindy hoppers' delight (Instrumental) Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 91841 10-in. 10/12/1939 Moon ray Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101154 12/12/1956 Mahogany Hall stomp Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101155 12/12/1956 When you're smiling Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101156 12/12/1956 Some of these days Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101157 12/12/1956 I surrender dear Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101158 12/12/1956 Georgia on my mind Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101159 12/12/1956 Exactly like you Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101168 12/12/1956 High society-3 Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101169 12/13/1956 Song of the islands Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101170 12/13/1956 That's my home Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101171 12/13/1956 Memories of you Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101172 12/13/1956 Them there eyes Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101173 12/14/1956 This younger generation Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101174 12/14/1956 In pursuit of happiness Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101491 1/28/1957 (I'll be glad when you're dead) You rascal you Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101492 1/28/1957 Hobo you can't ride this train Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101493 1/28/1957 Knockin' a jug Louis Armstrong Orchestra instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 101494 1/28/1957 Dear old Southland-1 Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 102617 12/12/1956 Georgia on my mind-2 Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 102623 1/28/1957 Dear old Southland-1, 2 Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  
Decca 104555 12/12/1956 When you're smiling-1 Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, alto saxophone  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Jefferson, Hilton," accessed April 24, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

Jefferson, Hilton. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

"Jefferson, Hilton." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 24 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150

External Sources

Wikipedia: Hilton Jefferson

Discogs: Hilton Jefferson

Allmusic: Hilton Jefferson

Grove: Hilton Jefferson

Linked Open Data Sources

LCNAR: Jefferson, Hilton, 1903-1968 - http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/no91020812

Wikidata: Hilton Jefferson - http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q282977

VIAF: http://viaf.org/viaf/198552

MusicBrainz: Hilton Jefferson - https://musicbrainz.org/artist/fadcfecc-6ecf-4e5c-a43b-fa67a4defb5c

Wikipedia content provided under the terms of the Creative Commons BY-SA license

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