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The correct answer is Red Callendar!
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Kurtedwardfishback, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Portrait of Red Callender in his home in Saugus in 1981, by Kurt Edward Fishback
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The bassist Red Callender played in Lester Young’s band in the 1940s, and also recorded with Nat King Cole, Charlie Parker, Erroll Garner, Wardell Gray, Dexter Gordon, and many others.
While living in Los Angeles, he was one of the first Black musicians to find regular work in the commercial recording studios. He made his recording debut at age 19 with Louis Armstrong’s band, but later turned down offers to work with Armstrong and his All-Stars, as well as Duke Ellington’s Orchestra.
Callender was also one of the earliest jazz tuba soloists…
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Listen to the 1958 recording of Red Callender playing “I’ll Be Around,” with Callender (bass); Gerald Wilson (trumpet); Buddy Collette (flute); Gerald Wiggins (piano); Billy Bean (guitar); and Bill Douglass (drums). [The Orchard]
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