Today is the birthday of saxophonist, pianist, arranger and conductor Hank Crawford. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 21, 1934 and began playing his father’s alto saxophone in the high school band. Crawford attended Tennessee State University in Nashville where he studied music theory and composition while playing both alto and baritone saxes in the university’s jazz ensemble. Crawford’s first foray into the recording studio was in 1952 when he appeared on a B.B. King record while still in his teens.

In 1958 Crawford joined the band backing Ray Charles where he stayed for five years, eventually becoming Charles’ musical director. While still working for Charles in the early 1960s Crawford began recording records as a leader for the Atlantic label. He made twelve albums as a leader during the decade. In addition to his work as a saxophonist and musical director Crawford also wrote arrangements for Etta James, Jimmy McGriff, Dr. John and Lou Rawls.

Although much of Crawford’s work was in the R&B and soul jazz realm, he began to produce more mainstream jazz records beginning in the 1970s. In all, he released more than forty albums as a leader or co-leader between 1960 and 2000, and appeared as a sideman with Grant Green, Shirley Scott, Eric Clapton and Janis Siegel. Crawford died on January 29, 2009 at his home in Memphis, aged 74, due to complications arising from an earlier stroke.

Here is a link to Crawford playing on American television in 1989:

"THE PEEPER"