Boniface Ferdinand Leonard DeFranco, who was known as Buddy DeFranco, was an American jazz clarinet player in the bebop style who collaborated with a great many jazz stars from the 1940s through to the 21st century. He died aged 91 in 2014. He grew up in Philadelphia where he began playing the clarinet as a child and won a jazz competition.

He had a stint with the Count Basie Septet and performed with pianist Sonny Clark and guitarist Tal Farlow in the early '50s. He performed and recorded with accordionist Tommy Gumina and a wide range of stars including Charlie Barnet, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker and Oscar Peterson. He released an eponymous album in 1952 followed by a great many releases including 'Mr. Clarinet' up to 'Charlie Cat 2' in 2007. Compilations include 'Buddy DeFranco: 194901952 Studio Performances', 'Bravura - Complete 1959 Septette Sessions' and 'Buddy DeFranco: 7 Classic Albums'. He was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Performance By an Orchestra for 'Cross Country Suite' in 1958 and for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for the track 'You Must Believe in Swing' in 1997.

Buddy DeFranco

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