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 126-150 of 156 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
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  
(Results 126-150 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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