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 (Results 76-100 of 139 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
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  
(Results 76-100 of 139 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Jefferson, Hilton," accessed April 16, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

Jefferson, Hilton. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

"Jefferson, Hilton." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 16 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

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

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