This article includes a list of general
references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding
inline citations. (October 2021) |
Al Sears | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Albert Omega Sears |
Born | Macomb, Illinois, U.S. | February 21, 1910
Died | March 23, 1990 St. Albans, New York City, U.S. | (aged 80)
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Saxophone |
Albert Omega Sears (February 21, 1910 – March 23, 1990) [1] was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and bandleader, sometimes credited as Big Al Sears.
Sears was born in Macomb, Illinois, United States. [2] His first major gig came in 1928 when he replaced Johnny Hodges in Chick Webb's ensemble. [2] Following this he played with Elmer Snowden (1931–32), then led his own groups between 1933 and 1941. [2] In the early 1940s he was with Andy Kirk (1941–42) and Lionel Hampton (1943-44) before he became a member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra in 1944, replacing Ben Webster. [2] He remained with Ellington until 1949, [2] when first Jimmy Forrest and then Paul Gonsalves took over his chair. He played with Johnny Hodges in 1951–52 and recorded the tune "Castle Rock" with him; [2] the tune became a hit but was released under Hodges's name.
Sears was in Alan Freed's band when Freed did live shows, being introduced as "Big Al Sears." [2] He played as a studio musician on R&B albums in the 1950s and recorded two albums for Swingville in 1960. He also owned several record labels, including Arock, Serock, and Gator. [1]
In 1990, he died in St. Albans, New York, at the age of 80. [1]
This article includes a list of general
references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding
inline citations. (October 2021) |
Al Sears | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Albert Omega Sears |
Born | Macomb, Illinois, U.S. | February 21, 1910
Died | March 23, 1990 St. Albans, New York City, U.S. | (aged 80)
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Saxophone |
Albert Omega Sears (February 21, 1910 – March 23, 1990) [1] was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and bandleader, sometimes credited as Big Al Sears.
Sears was born in Macomb, Illinois, United States. [2] His first major gig came in 1928 when he replaced Johnny Hodges in Chick Webb's ensemble. [2] Following this he played with Elmer Snowden (1931–32), then led his own groups between 1933 and 1941. [2] In the early 1940s he was with Andy Kirk (1941–42) and Lionel Hampton (1943-44) before he became a member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra in 1944, replacing Ben Webster. [2] He remained with Ellington until 1949, [2] when first Jimmy Forrest and then Paul Gonsalves took over his chair. He played with Johnny Hodges in 1951–52 and recorded the tune "Castle Rock" with him; [2] the tune became a hit but was released under Hodges's name.
Sears was in Alan Freed's band when Freed did live shows, being introduced as "Big Al Sears." [2] He played as a studio musician on R&B albums in the 1950s and recorded two albums for Swingville in 1960. He also owned several record labels, including Arock, Serock, and Gator. [1]
In 1990, he died in St. Albans, New York, at the age of 80. [1]