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 Danbury, Died November 14, 1968 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1929 - 1958

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 156 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
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  
(Results 101-125 of 156 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Jefferson, Hilton," accessed December 12, 2025, http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

Jefferson, Hilton. (2025). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved December 12, 2025, from http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109150.

"Jefferson, Hilton." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2025. Web. 12 December 2025.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

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

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