Wilbur Clayton American jazz trumpeter, composer Date of Birth: 12.11.1911 Country: USA

1. Buck Clayton: A Swinging Maestro
2. Early Life and Career
3. Count Basie Orchestra and Beyond
4. Arranging and Collaboration
5. The 1950s and Beyond
6. Later Career
7. Legacy and Influence

Buck Clayton: A Swinging Maestro

Buck Clayton, an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, left an indelible mark on the world of jazz. His signature raspy and "earthy" sound made him a sought-after collaborator for many vocalists.

Early Life and Career

Buck Clayton was born in Parsons, Kansas, and received musical training in piano and trumpet from his father. He joined a local jazz band, honing his skills and gaining professional experience. In 1932, he formed his own orchestra in Los Angeles, with whom he later traveled to Shanghai for a residency from 1934 to 1936.

Count Basie Orchestra and Beyond

Upon returning to the United States, Clayton continued leading his ensemble and played with various bands. In 1936, he received an invitation from Count Basie to join his orchestra, replacing Hot Lips Page on trumpet. He remained with Basie until being drafted into the military in 1943.

Arranging and Collaboration

After his military service, Clayton embarked on a successful career as an arranger for both small and large ensembles. He wrote arrangements for the orchestras of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and others. He also formed his own sextet in the late 1940s and toured Europe with the group in 1949 and 1950.

The 1950s and Beyond

In the 1950s, Clayton collaborated with impresario Norman Granz's Jazz At The Philharmonic. He played in pianist Joe Bushkin's quartet from 1951 to 1953 and toured with clarinetist Mezz Mezzrow, guitarist Eddie Condon, and the legendary Sidney Bechet.

In 1956, he performed at the Newport Jazz Festival with Coleman Hawkins and J.J. Johnson. Two years later, he rejoined Benny Goodman at the Waldorf Astoria. Clayton also toured Europe again with Mezz Mezzrow.

Later Career

From 1959, Clayton played in the band of rhythm guitarist Eddie Condon and toured with them to Japan and Australia. In the 1960s, he toured Europe extensively with Humphrey Littleton's Band and performed at various jazz festivals. However, health problems forced him to temporarily retire from music in the late 1960s.

Legacy and Influence

In the 1970s, Clayton returned to the jazz scene, this time as an arranger for Humphrey Littleton and Buddy Tate. He also taught jazz at Hunter College in the early 1980s. In 1983, he led a group of musicians from the Basie orchestra on a European tour.

In his later years, Clayton directed his own big band that exclusively performed his compositions and arrangements. His legacy as a master of swing and a versatile jazz musician continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.