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 101-125 of 139 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
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  
(Results 101-125 of 139 records)

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

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