Willie Smith

American jazz alto saxophonist, clarinetist, vocalist and composer. Born 25 November 1910 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA - Died 7 March 1967 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was one of the major alto saxophone players of the swing era. He began on clarinet at age 12. After leaving college he joined Jimmie Lunceford and later Charlie Spivak. He joined Harry James (2) (1944-51), Duke Ellington (1951/52), Billy May (1952/53) and others. In early 1953 he toured Europe with Jazz At The Philharmonic, later with the Benny Goodman All-star Band. Back in California he rejoined Harry James (2) (1954-63) and played In autumn 1964 in in Johnny Catron’s Band in Los Angeles and worked with Johnny Rivers in Las Vegas. In 1966 he played in a big band formed by Charlie Barnet. In March 1967 he died of cancer. Do NOT confuse with alto sax player from Cleveland Willie Smith (7).