Earle Warren (born Earl Ronald Warren; July 1, 1914 – June 4, 1994) was an American saxophonist. He was part of the Count Basie Orchestra from 1937.

Early life

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Warren was born in Springfield, Ohio, on July 1, 1914.[1] "He played piano, banjo, and ukulele in a family band before taking up C-melody, tenor, and finally alto saxophone."[1]

Later life and career

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When Warren became professional in 1930, he added an "e" to the end of his first name to make it different from other jazz musicians named "Earl".[1] In his early career, he toured the Midwest as a sideman, and led his own bands.[1] He joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1937, playing baritone and alto saxophones initially, and then being lead altoist and occasional clarinettist and vocalist until 1945.[1] He led bands and occasionally reunited with Basie towards the end of the decade.[1] After managing some bands, he joined trumpeter Buck Clayton in 1957.[1]

Warren appeared in Born to Swing, the 1972 film about former members of Basie's band.[1] From 1973, Warren performed often at the West End jazz club in New York City, leading a band called The Countsmen.[1] He lived part of the time in Switzerland until his return to Springfield in 1992, where he spent the final two years of his life.[2] He died there on June 4, 1994.[1]

Discography

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With Count Basie

With Buck Clayton

With Milt Jackson

With Jay McShann

With Buddy Tate

With Teri Thornton

With Milt Buckner

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kernfeld, Barry (2003). "Warren, Earle (Earl Ronald)". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J472600.
  2. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 477. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.
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