Buck Clayton was introduced to the trumpet by his father at the age of 7. He
began his professional career in California in 1929, playing in variety and
dance bands, and spent two years playing in Shanghai (China) from 1934 to 1936.
As soon as he returned to the U.S., Count Basie called on his services, and he
remained with the band for several years (1936-1943) before being drafted into
the U.S. Army, during which time he often played in military bands (1943-1946).
In 1947-1948, he toured with producer Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic
(JATP). The following year, Buck Clay...