Hodges, Johnny. (1907–1970) Group of Original Photographs of the Johnny Hodges Septet

Hodges, Johnny. (1907–1970)

Group of Original Photographs of the Johnny Hodges Septet

Group of 10 original 1951 photographs of a jazz septet headed by saxophonist Johnny Hodges, captured in performance by photographer James N. Seidelle (1925–2018). The band's horns included Hodges, Al Sears, Emmett Berry, Leroy Lovett, and Lawrence Brown, with Sonny Greer on drums and Lloyd Trotman on bass. Fine. Each 8 x 10 inches (20.7 x 25.5 cm).

Based on the background, we have established that the present photographs were taken during a run of performances at Lindsay's Sky Bar in Cleveland, OH in May 1951. The venue played host to many important jazz performers, including Charlie Parker, Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz, and Johnny Hodges.

Hodges was a longtime alto sax player in Duke Ellington's band, known for his pure tone and highly individualistic style. Benny Goodman described Hodges as "by far the greatest man on alto sax that I ever heard." As evidenced by the Ellington compositions named after him, he earned the nicknames "Jeep" and "Rabbit" – according to Johnny Griffin because "he looked like a rabbit, no expression on his face while he's playing all this beautiful music." (18027)

Unsigned Photograph Jazz