This page outlines Leo Parker’s performances and activities. Dates on which recording sessions occurred are linked to the corresponding session on the Discography page by clicking on the icon: ✇
EARLY YEARS
APRIL 18, 1925: Leo Thomas Parker is born in Prince George’s County, Maryland to David S. Parker and Margaret V. Parker.1U.S., WWII Draft Card, 1943
1930: Leo Parker lives with his parents and younger sister, Bernice, in Camp Springs, Maryland. Leo’s father, David, works as a farm laborer.2U.S. Census, 1930
1940: Leo Parker works as a newsboy and lives with family at 1215 50th St. NE in Washington, D.C. David is a utility man for Washington Gas Light Company.3U.S. Census, 1940
ca. 1939-1943: Leo Parker attends Armstrong High School and studies the alto saxophone. His classmates include Charlie Rouse and Osie Johnson.
1943: Leo Parker gigs at the Star Dust Inn, 401 4th St., SW, Washington, D.C.4U.S., WWII Draft Card, 1943
1943: Leo Parker gigs at the Off-Beat Club, 1849 7th St., NW, Washington, D.C. In addition to Parker on alto saxophone, other band members include Oliver Richardson on piano, Thomas Moultrie on bass, Boby Allen on trumpet, Cooper Gibson on guitar, and Eugene “Streamlined” Buirell on drums.5“Spotting Capital Nite Spots,” The Baltimore Afro-American, July 31, 1943, p. 17.
1943: Leo Parker participates in a jam session at photographer Gjon Mili’s studio in New York (6 E 23rd St.?). Other participants include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, Mezz Mezzrow…
1944
1944: Leo Parker lives at 2412 7th Ave., New York, NY61944 Local 802 A.F.M. Directory
ca. FEBRUARY, 1944: New York, NY – Kelly’s Stable, 137 W 52nd St.7The Music Dial, February 1944, p. 7.
Leo Parker performs with Clark Monroe’s band. Other band members include Leonard Lowery on alto saxophone, Ray Abramson on tenor saxophone, Ed Vandervere and Vic Coulsen on trumpet, Duke Jordan on piano, Len Gaskin on bass, and Ed Bowing on drums.
FEBRUARY 16, 1944: New York, NY
Coleman Hawkins and Orchestra, recording session for Apollo records ✇
FEBRUARY 22, 1944: New York, NY
Coleman Hawkins and Orchestra, recording session for Apollo records ✇
APRIL 23, 1944: New York, NY – Heat Wave, 266 W 145th St.8The Music Dial, May 1944, p. 2.
Leo Parker participates in The Music Dial jam session. Other musicians include Lester Young, Oscar Pettiford, and Big Sid Catlett.
ca. MAY, 1944, Rehearsals for Billy Eckstine’s new orchestra at Nola’s Studios in New York.9“Leading My Own Outfit,” Melody Maker, August 28, 1954, p. 19.
Note: Up to this point, Leo Parker had been an alto saxophonist. Billy Eckstine needed a baritone saxophonist in his big band to replace Rudy Rutherford. Eckstine offered Parker the baritone chair and reportedly bought him a horn. From this point on, the baritone saxophone would remain Parker’s sole musical voice.
JUNE 9, 1944: Wilmington, DE – Odd Fellows Building10Ad, Morning News (Wilmington, DE), June 9, 1944, p. 28.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 11, 1944: Washington, D.C. – Turner’s Arena, 1342 W St.11“Eckstine Band Set for Southern Tour,” Variety, May 24, 1944, p. 29.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 12, 1944: Rocky Mount, NC – Cobb Foxhall Warehouse12Ad, Evening Telegram (Rocky Mount, NC), June 12, 1944, p. 8.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
…I learned a great deal about the Eckstine contribution to modern music from the late baritone saxophonist Leo Parker (Mad Lad) who was the baby of the orchestra, having joined Mr. B’s group when he was 17 years old [sic]…
“We all starved together,” was something Leo Parker said often about the years with Mr. B. “But there was so much music going on it didn’t matter.”
Most of the stories about Charlie Parker were true. Yes. He was on drugs then and would fall asleep on the bandstand. It was Leo’s duty to try and keep “Bird” awake during a performance.
“Bird would nod out,” said the Lad, “and I would nudge him when it came time for his solo and he would snap out of it and stand up and play something so fantastic it stunned you.”
Then there were those Southern tours. Leo said the band bus would roll through Dixie and pull up in some small town for a dance.
They used tobacco warehouses as dance halls. They would remove all the bundles of leaves and then they would drive about 20 cars up on all sides of this barn and turn on the car lights.
“The light shining through the wood siding would be the only light for the dance. We often read our music by car headlights.”
Eckstine’s crew grew quite tough on these Dixie tours.
“We’d be playing some swinging music,” recalled Leo, “and on the dance floor, some sharecropper would stab another right in the middle of a tune and they’d just drag the wounded cat off the floor and keep right on dancing.”
White Southerners from miles around would also turn out to hear the band. According to Leo Parker, some warehouses and dance halls in the Carolinas had balcony or loft arrangements where the whites sat up high “while the colored partied down below.”
Leo was inclined to dramatics but his most hair-raising incident in the Eckstine Southern tours was when they arrived in a Deep Dixie town and were greeted by the sheriff who said in friendly fashion: “Welcome boys, hope y’all play real good tonight. The dance lets out at midnight, and any one of you I see on the street after 12:30 I am gonna shoot straight through the head.”
That night, America’s greatest musicians played with one eye on their music charts and the other on the clock.
“We hit the last note at midnight,” Eckstine’s baritone player said. “‘Stine collected the bread and we were on the highway five minutes later. Max Roach knew what he was doing when he refused this tour…”
–Ralph Matthews, Jr., “Mainstream,” The Baltimore Afro-American, January 16, 1965, p. 5.
JUNE 13, 1944: Durham, NC – Big 4 Warehouse, 200 Morgan St.13Ad, Durham Morning Herald, June 11, 1944, section II, p. 6.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 15, 1944: Atlanta, GA – New Sunset Casino14“Billy Eckstine at Sunset Tonight,” Atlanta Daily World, June 15, 1944, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 21, 1944: Ft. Lauderdale, FL15“Advance Bookings,” Billboard, June 17, 1944, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 22, 1944: Lakeland, FL16“Advance Bookings,” Billboard, June 17, 1944, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 23, 1944: Tampa, FL17“Advance Bookings,” Billboard, June 17, 1944, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 30, 1944: San Antonio, TX – Library Auditorium, 226 N Hackberry18“Billy Eckstein Brings His Own Band to S A for Dance Engagement,” San Antonio Register, June 22, 1944, p. 6.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 1, 1944: Dallas, TX – Claudia’s Place19Ad, Dallas Morning News, July 1, 1947, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 7-18, 1944: St. Louis, MO – Club Plantation, 3617 Delmar Blvd. / Club Riviera, 4460 Delmar Blvd.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 4, 1944: Cleveland, OH – Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E20Ad, Cleveland Call and Post, July 29, 1944, p. 8A.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Evansville, IN21Teddy Edwards Interviewed by Patricia Willard Institute of Jazz Studies Jazz Oral History Project (July 1980), p. 108.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Louisville, KY22“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Cincinnati, OH23“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Youngstown, OH24“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Detroit, MI25“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Flint, MI26“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 18-24, 1944: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.27“Eckstine Spots Strong Trumpets,” Down Beat, September 1, 1944, p. 1. Personnel: Charlie Parker, John Jackson-alto saxophone; Gene Ammons, Lucky Thompson-tenor saxophone; Leo Parker-baritone saxophone; Dizzy Gillespie, Howard McGhee, Gail Brockman, Marion Hazel-trumpet; Jerry Valentine, Arnett Sparrow, Rudy Morrison-trombone; John Malachi-piano; Tommy Potter-bass; Art Blakey-drums; Sarah Vaughan-vocals
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST, 1944: Pittsburgh, PA – Aragon Ballroom, 628 Penn Ave.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 30, 1944: Asbury Park, NJ – Armory, 701 Lake Ave.28Ad, Asbury Park Press August 30, 1944, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 3-9, 1944: Boston, MA – Tic Toc Club, 245 Tremont St.29Ad, Boston Herald, September 5, 1944, p. 15.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 10, 1944: Boston, MA – Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave.30“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 15-21, 1944: Washington, D.C. – Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW31“Billy Eckstine 19G in 8 Dates,” Billboard, August 26, 1944, p.18.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 22-28, 1944: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.32Leonard Feather, “Dizzy Heights,” Metronome, p. 22. Personnel mentioned: Eckstine-vocals and trumpet; Dizzy Gillespie, Shorty McConnell-trumpet; John Jackson-alto saxophone; Gene Ammons, Dexter Gordon-tenor saxophone; Chippy Outcalt-trombone; John Malachi-piano; Art Blakey-drums; Sarah Vaughan-vocals
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 1944: Baltimore, MD – Royal Theater, 1329 Pennsylvania Ave.33Ad, Baltimore Afro-American, September 30, 1944, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 6, 1944: Camden, NJ – Convention Hall34“Billy Eckstine Re-shuffles Band for Second Big Tour,” Pittsburgh Courier, October 21, 1944, p.13.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 7, 1944: Brooklyn, NY – Palace, 1823 Strauss St.35Ad, Daily News, October 7, 1944, p. 15.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 10, 1944: Akron OH – Armory, S High St. and E Bowery St.36“Band Routes,” Billboard, September 9, 1944, p. 20.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 11, 1944: Pittsburgh, PA – Hill City Auditorium, 2007 Centre Ave.37“The Drama Desk,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 9, 1944, Daily Magazine, p.4.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 12, 1944: Harrisburg, PA – Mosque38“Band Routes,” Billboard, September 9, 1944, p. 20.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 13, 1944: Wilmington, DE – Armory39“Krupa, Eckstine One-niters for Op Jimmie Evans,” Billboard, September 23, 1944, p.26.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 14, 1944: Brooklyn, NY – Palace Ballroom40“Krupa, Eckstine One-niters for Op Jimmie Evans,” Billboard, September 23, 1944, p.26.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 15, 1944: New York, NY – Renaissance Ballroom, 2341 7th Ave.41“Band Routes,” Billboard, September 9, 1944, p. 20.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 16, 1944: Philadelphia, PA – Town Hall42“Band Routes,” Billboard, September 9, 1944, p. 20.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 18, 1944: Hartford, CT – Footguard Hall43“Krupa, Eckstine One-niters for Op Jimmie Evans,” Billboard, September 23, 1944, p.26.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 20-November 2, 1944: Washington, D.C. – Club Bali, 1901 14th St. NW44“Billy Eckstine’s Ork Wows Swing World; Set for Tour,” Pittsburgh Courier, October 14, 1944, p. 13.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 3-9, 1944: Cleveland, OH – Metropolitan Theater, 5000 Euclid Ave.45“Met Brings Billy Eckstine’s Show,” Cleveland Gazette, November 4, 1944, sec. 2, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 10-16, 1944: Detroit, MI – Paradise Theater, 3711 Woodward Ave.46Ad, Detroit Free Press, November 10, 1944, p. 15.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 19, 1944: Chicago, IL – Savoy Ballroom, 4733 South Pkwy.47Ad, Chicago Defender, November 11, 1944, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 21, 1944: Cincinnati, OH – Colosseum48“Billy Eckstine Sweeps Midwest; Heads for East,” Pittsburgh Courier, December 2, 1944, p.1.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 22, 1944: Youngstown, OH – Nu-Elm Ballroom49“Billy Eckstine Sweeps Midwest; Heads for East,” Pittsburgh Courier, December 2, 1944, p.1.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 23, 1944: Cleveland, OH – Public Auditorium50“Billy Eckstine Sweeps Midwest; Heads for East,” Pittsburgh Courier, December 2, 1944, p.1.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 24, 1944: Rock Springs, NY – Sportsman Club51Ad, Star Gazette (Elmira, NY), November 22, 1944, p. 21.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 2, 1944: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Palace, 1823 Strauss St.52Ad, New York Amsterdam News, December 2, 1944, p. 4B.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 5, 1944: New York, NY
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, recording session for De Luxe records ✇
DECEMBER 8-14, 1944: Chicago, IL – Downtown Theater53Ad, Chicago Defender, December 9, 1944, p. 9.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 22-28, 1944: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.54Ad, New York Amsterdam News, December 24, 1944, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 29, 1944: Harrisburg, PA – Chestnut Street Hall, 223 Chestnut St.55Ad, Evening News, December 28, 1944, p. 13.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 31, 1944: New York, NY – Golden Gate Ballroom, 640 Lenox Ave.56Ad, New York Amsterdam News, December 30, 1944, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
1945
1945: Leo Parker lives at 101 W 140th St., New York, NY571945 Local 802 A.F.M. Directory
JANUARY 6, 1945: Baltimore, MD – New Albert Auditorium, 1224 Pennsylvania Ave.58Ad, Baltimore Afro-American, 6 Jan. 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 8, 1945: Danville, VA – Armory59“Eckstine to Play Dance December [sic] 8,” Bee, December 30, 1944, p. 8.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1945: Camp Butner, NC60“Eckstine Greets Vets at Butner,” Baltimore Afro-American, 27 Jan. 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1945: Savannah, GA61F. Driggs & H. Levine, Black Beauty, White Heat (1996), 320: photo dated early 1945, Savannah, GA, showing Billy Eckstine and Fats Navarro soloing on trumpet.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 11, 1945: Atlanta, GA – City Auditorium62Ad, Atlanta Constitution, January 11, 1945, p. 11.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 17, 1945: Macon, GA – City Auditorium / Cotton Club63“Billy Eckstine to Sing His Own Hit Songs Tonight at Auditorium,” Macon Telegraph, January 17, 1945, p. 3.
“Cotton Club Fetes Billy Eckstine,” Macon Telegraph, January 17, 1945, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 22, 1945: Beaumont, TX – Harvest Club, 2600 Gulf St.64“Billy Eckstine and Orchestra Scores a Success in Texas,” New York Age, February 10, 1945, p. 11.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 23, 1945: San Antonio, TX – Library Auditorium, 226 N Hackberry65“Billy Eckstine Coming,” San Antonio Register, January 12, 1945, p. 6.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 24, 1945: Galveston, TX – City Auditorium66Ad, Galveston Daily News, January 24, 1945, p. 2.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
late JANUARY 1945: Houston, TX67“Billy Eckstine and Orchestra Scores a Success in Texas,” New York Age, February 10, 1945, p. 11.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JANUARY 27, 1945: Austin, TX – University of Texas68“Billy Eckstine to Play at Sophomore Stomp,” Austin American, January 27, 1945, p. 3.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
late JANUARY 1945: Fort Worth, TX69“Billy Eckstine and Orchestra Scores a Success in Texas,” New York Age, February 10, 1945, p. 11.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
late JANUARY 1945: Dallas, TX70“Billy Eckstine and Orchestra Scores a Success in Texas,” New York Age, February 10, 1945, p. 11.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 1-29(?), 1945: Los Angeles, CA – Plantation Club, 108th St. and Central Ave.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
ca. FEBRUARY 5, 1945: Hollywood, CA – NBC Studios
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, live recording for AFRS Jubilee ✇
ca. FEBRUARY 12, 1945: Hollywood, CA – NBC Studios
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, live recording for AFRS Jubilee ✇
FEBRUARY 18, 1945: Los Angeles, CA – Philharmonic Auditorium, 427 W 5th St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
ca. FEBRUARY 19, 1945: Hollywood, CA – NBC Studios
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, live recording for AFRS Jubilee ✇
ca. FEBRUARY 26, 1945: Hollywood, CA – NBC Studios
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, live recording for AFRS Jubilee ✇
MARCH 1-15(?), 1945: San Diego, CA – Pacific Square Ballroom, Silver Slipper71“Curfew Hits Eckstine,” Metronome, April 1945, p. 11
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
MARCH 16-29, 1945: Baltimore, MD – Skin’s Blue Room, 1206 Wilmer Ct.72“Eckstine, Held at Skins, to wax at $500 Per Side,” Baltimore Afro-American, March 24, 1945, p. 17.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 1, 1945: New York, NY – Golden Gate Ballroom, 640 Lenox Ave.73Ad, New York Amsterdam News, March 24. 1945, p. 5B.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 6, 1945: Wilmington, DE – Odd Fellows Temple74Ad, News Journal, April 4, 1945, p.25.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL, 1945(?): Boston, MA75Raymond Orr Interviewed by C. Walton in, “New York and the Music revolution: Raymond Orr, trumpet.” www.jazzinchicago.org/internal/articles Orr dates this April 1945, and gives the band members, but it may rather have been in May after the recording date, where standard discographies have Brockman participating.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 13-19, 1945: Detroit, MI – Paradise Theater, 3711 Woodward Ave.76Ad, Detroit Free Press, April 13, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 20-26, 1945: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.77Ad, Chicago Tribune, April 20, 1945, p. 23.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 27, 1945: Toledo, OH – Trianon Ballroom, 1415 Madison Ave.78“Eckstine to Begin One Night Tour at Paradise,” New York Age, April 7, 1945, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 28, 1945: Akron, OH79“Eckstine to Begin One Night Tour at Paradise,” New York Age, April 7, 1945, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 29, 1945: Cleveland, OH80“Eckstine to Begin One Night Tour at Paradise,” New York Age, April 7, 1945, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
APRIL 30, 1945: Columbus, OH81“Eckstine to Begin One Night Tour at Paradise,” New York Age, April 7, 1945, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
MAY 2, 1945: New York, NY
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, recording session for National records ✇
MAY 4-10, 1945: Washington, D.C. – Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW82“Eckstine Ork Waxes, May 2,” Pittsburgh Courier, April 28, 1945, p. 13.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
MAY 11-17, 1945: Baltimore, MD – Royal Theater, 1329 Pennsylvania Ave.83“Billy Eckstine Ill Cancels Apollo, N.Y:” Variety, May 23, 1945, p. 42. The band played without Eckstine in Baltimore.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
MAY 18-24, 1945: CANCELLED84“Billy Eckstine Ill Cancels Apollo, N.Y:” Variety, May 23, 1945, p. 42.New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
MAY 25, 1945: Harrisburg, PA – Chestnut Street Hall, 223 Chestnut St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 1-7, 1945: Louisville, KY – National Theater, 506 W Walnut St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 9, 1945: Charleston, WV – Armory
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 11, 1945: Raleigh, NC – Memorial Auditorium, 2 E South St.85“Billy Eckstine to Play Pre-June German at Raleigh Auditorium,” The Carolinian (Raleigh), June 9, 1945, p. 6.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 12, 1945: Greensboro, NC – Pla-More
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 13, 1945: Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium86Ad, Columbia Record, June 9, 1945, p.2.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 15, 1945: Armory – Danville, VA87Ad, Bee, June 15, 1945, p. 10.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 17, 1945: Pine Bluff, AR88“Billy Eckstine in the South,” Chicago Defender (National edition), July 14, 1945, p. 14.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 21, 1945: Cherry Point, NC – Marine Air Station
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 24, 1945: Washington, D.C. – Turner’s Arena, 1342 W St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JUNE 25, 1945: Camp Lee, VA
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 7, 1945: Tampa, FL – Army Air Forces, Drew Field
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 8, 1945: Miami, FL – Harlem Square Club
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 9, 1945: Jacksonville, FL – Two Spot Club, 45th St. and Moncrief Rd.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 12, 1945: Atlanta, GA – City Auditorium89“Billy Eckstine Brings Band Here Thursday,” Atlanta Constitution, July 8, 1945, p. 30.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 13, 1945: Birmingham, AL – City Auditorium90“Billy Eckstine and Orchestra-Cuty Auditorium, July 13,” Weekly Review, July 7, 1945, p. 7.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 15, 1945: Nashville, TN – Paradise Amusement Park
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 17, 1945: Pine Bluff, AR
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 18, 1945: Little Rock, AR – Robinson Memorial Auditorium, 426 W Markham St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 19, 1945: Jackson, MS – Colored Skating Rink91ad, Mississippi Enterprise, July 14, 1945, p. 4.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 20, 1945: Monroe, LA
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 24, 1945: Beaumont, TX – Harvest Club, 2600 Gulf St.92“Billy Eckstine Is Texas Bound,” Michigan Chronicle, July 21, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 25, 1945: San Antonio, TX – Library Auditorium, 226 N Hackberry93“Billy Eckstine Coming to S.A. for One-Night Stand at Library Aud, July 25,” San Antonio Register, July 13, 1945, p. 7.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 26, 1945: Corpus Christi, TX – Skylark Terrace94“Corpus Christi to Hear Billy Eckstine, July 26, at Skylark Terrace,” San Antonio Register, July 13, 1945, p. 2.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 27, 1945: Port Arthur, TX95“Billy Eckstine Is Texas Bound,” Michigan Chronicle, July 21, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 28, 1945: Austin, TX – Dorie Miller Auditorium, 2300 Rosewood Ave.96“Billy Eckstine Is Texas Bound,” Michigan Chronicle, July 21, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 29, 1945: Fort Worth, TX97“Billy Eckstine Is Texas Bound,” Michigan Chronicle, July 21, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
JULY 30, 1945: Dallas, TX – Rose Room98“Billy Eckstine Is Texas Bound,” Michigan Chronicle, July 21, 1945, p. 16.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 5, 1945: Kansas City, MO – Municipal Auditorium99Ad, Plaindealer, August 3, 1945, p. 6.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 6, 1945: Evansville, IN – Roller Rink
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 11, 1945: Gary, IN – Miramar Ballroom, 14th Ave. and Madison St.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 12, 1945: Chicago, IL – Savoy Ballroom, 4733 South Pkwy.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 13, 1945: Indianapolis, IN – Sunset Terrace, 873 Indiana Ave.
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 14, 1945: Youngstown, OH – Elk Ballroom
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra
AUGUST 15, 1945, The Billy Eckstine Orchestra starts a two-week vacation, and Leo Parker likely leaves the band at this time.100“Billy Eckstine Jumpers Booked,” California Eagle, August 16, 1945, p. 14.
Down Beat magazine writes: “…Teddy Cypron blows the baritone sax Leo Parker blew before.”101“Billy Eckstine Ork Makes Changes,” Down Beat, October 1, 1945, p. 3.
AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 6, 1945: Bronx, NY – Mckinley Theater, 1319 Boston Rd.102A.B. Spellman, Four Lives in the Bebop Business (1966), 203.
Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra: Hepsations of 1945
Note: New research suggests that Leo Parker joined Benny Carter’s orchestra in September of 1945 after he left Billy Eckstine’s orchestra. He likely left Carter’s band by the time of their December 12, 1945 recording session on which Willard Brown is the reported baritone saxophonist. (Special thanks to Leif Bo Petersen for his assistance.)
SEPTEMBER 14-20, 1945: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.103“Seeing Stars,” New Journal and Guide, September 1, 1945, p. 14.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 4, 1945: Baltimore, MD – Royal Theater, 1329 Pennsylvania Ave.104“Variety Bills,” Variety, September 26, 1945, p. 57.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
ca. OCTOBER, 1945: Philadelphia, PA – Mercantile Hall105Steve Edley, “Juke Box,” Philadelphia Tribune, September 29, 1945, p. 13.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 7, 1945: Monessen, PA – Arch Tavern106“Carter’s Crew at Monessen, Oct. 7,” Pittsburgh Courrier, October 6, 1945, p. 20.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 8, 1945: Pittsburgh, PA – Savoy Ballroom107“Benny Carter’s Ork Hits at New Savoy, October 8,” Pittsburgh Courrier, September 29, 1945, p. 20.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 12-18, 1945: Detroit, MI – Paradise Theater, 3711 Woodward Ave.108“Benny Carter Is Here October 12,” Michigan Chronicle, October 6, 1945, p. 14.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 20, 1945: Cincinnati, OH – Castle Farm109Ad, Cincinnati Enquirer, October 14, 1945, p. 58.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 27, 1945: Hondo, TX – Hondo Army Airfield, Officer’s Club110“Name Band to Play at HAAF,” Hondo Anvil Herald, October 26, 1945, p. 6.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 29, 1945: Corpus Christi, TX – Ward Island Naval Air Station Theater111“Benny Carter to Appear Here Oct. 29-Nov. 2,” Corpus Christi Caller- Times, October 14, 1945, p. 6.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 30-31, 1945: Kingsville, TX – Naval Air Auxiliary Station113“Benny Carter to Appear Here Oct. 29-Nov. 2,” Corpus Christi Caller- Times, October 14, 1945, p. 6.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 1-2, 1945: Corpus Christi, TX – Ward Island Naval Air Station Theater114“Benny Carter to Appear Here Oct. 29-Nov. 2,” Corpus Christi Caller- Times, October 14, 1945, p. 6.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 9, 1945: San Antonio, TX – Olmos Club115“Benny Carter Coming,” San Antonio Light, November 4, 1945, p. 11-C.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 10, 1945: Austin, TX – University of Texas, Gregory Gymnasium116“‘Amazing Man’ Carter To Play Here Nov. 10,” The Daily Texan, November 2, 1945, p. 6.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 16-22, 1945: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.117“Chicago Band Briefs,” Down Beat, November 15, 1945, p. 4.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 7, 1945: Burlington, VT – Barre Municipal Auditorium118Ad, Burlington Free Press, December 4, 1945, p. 8.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 8, 1945: Claremont, NH – Roseland119Ad, Springfield Reporter, November 29, 1945, p. 20.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
ca. DECEMBER 9, 1945: Northampton, MA120“Versatile Dance Band,” Barre Daily Times, November 30, 1945, p. 5.
Benny Carter and his Orchestra
1946
1946: Leo Parker lives at 101 W 140th St., New York, NY1211946 Local 802 A.F.M. Directory
ca. 1946: prob. New York, NY
Dizzy Gillespie-Leo Parker, recording session for Aladdin records (unissued) ✇
FEBRUARY 15-MARCH 13, 1946: New York, NY – Spotlite, 56 W 52nd St.122“Dizzy Back On 52nd Street,” Down Beat, February 25, 1946, p. 1.
Dizzy Gillespie Sextet
When Dizzy Gillespie came back from California in the winter of 1946 without Charlie Parker, he opened at the Spotlite on 52nd Street with Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Al Haig, Stan Levey, and Leo Parker, no kin to Charlie, on baritone saxophone. Sometimes J.J. Johnson would sit in, a perforated grey felt beanie hanging on the bell of his trombone, creating a velvet muted tone not unlike that of a French horn.
–Ira Gitler, Swing to Bop
FEBRUARY, 1946: New York, NY
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, recording session for National records ✇
Note: Although Leo Parker is listed in most discographies as having played on this recording session, his presence is unconfirmed. Parker likely left Billy Eckstine’s big band the previous summer.
MARCH, 1946: New York, NY
Billy Eckstine and his Orchestra, recording session for National records ✇
Note: Although Leo Parker is listed in most discographies as having played on this recording session, his presence is unconfirmed. Parker likely left Billy Eckstine’s big band the previous summer.
MARCH 14-?, 1946: New York, NY – Spotlite, 56 W 52nd St.123Ad, New York Evening Post, March 14, 1946, p. 39.
Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra
Note: Leo Parker likely started this engagement, but was replaced by Sol Moore at some point before the band closed on June 27th.
MARCH 31, 1946: Bronx, NY – Club 845, 845 Prospect Ave.124Jerry Schley, “The Bronx Beacon,” People’s Voice, April 6, 1946, p. 14.
“Matinee Jam Session”
MAY 7, 1946: New York, NY
Sarah Vaughan Orchestra, recording session for Musicraft records ✇
MAY 12, 1946: New York, NY – Lincoln Square Center, 53 W 66th St.125Handbill, “Rebop Jam Session,” May 12, 1946, Lincoln Square Center
“Rebop Jam Session”
JULY 9, 1946: New York, NY
Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra, recording session for Musicraft records ✇
Note: Although Leo Parker is listed in many discographies as having played on this recording session, his presence is unconfirmed. Parker likely left Dizzy Gillespie’s big band during their engagement at the Spotlite earlier in the year. Some sources, such as the liner notes to Savoy MG-12020, list the baritone saxophonist on this session as Saul [AKA Sol] Moore. Additionally, Danny Bank claimed to have been the baritone saxophonist on this session in an interview in the July, 1996 edition of Cadence magazine.
ca. DECEMBER, 1946, Leo Parker sits in with Illinois Jacquet in Washington, D.C. and Jacquet asks Parker to join his band.
…So I left to go with Jacquet. It started off at first it was just Jacquet and myself, and we picked up the rhythm section in each town we went. Norman [Granz] was booking him… In Washington, D.C., we played there… Leo Parker came that night, and he sat in with us, and Jacquet asked him to join the band. Then it was the three of us… –Joe Newman
–Ira Gitler, Swing to Bop
DECEMBER 25, 1946: Philadelphia, PA – Elate Ballroom126“Sam Price Directs Philly Jam Bashes,” Down Beat, January 29, 1947 p. 47.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
1947
JANUARY 7, 1947: New York, NY – WOR-Mutual Studio127“Illinois Jacquet Records New Hits,” The Chicago Defender, January 18, 1947, p. 10.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra, recording session for Aladdin records ✇
JANUARY, 1947: Boston, MA128“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Newark, NJ129“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Trenton, NJ130“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Camden, NJ131“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Atlantic City, NJ132“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Wilmington, DE133“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY, 1947: Baltimore, MD134“Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY 19, 1947: New York, NY – Renaissance Casino, 2341 7th Ave.135“Illinois Jacquet and New 17-Piece Outfit at Renny,” New York Amsterdam News, January 18, 1947, p. 23.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY 25, 1947: Elizabeth, NJ136“Band Routes,” California Eagle, January 23, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY 26, 1947: New York, NY – Club Sudan, 640 Lenox Ave.137“Jazz in Be-Bop,” New York Amsterdam News, February 1, 1947, p. 21.
Leo Parker sits in at the “Jazz in Be-Bop”session.
Every Saturday at Club Sudan, The New Yorkers Inc., Club presents “Jazz In Be-Bop” which features all those hep musicians who are perfecting this modern music called “Be-Bop.”
Last Sunday’s session featured a battle of saxes between Allen Eager and Morris Lane, and the famous Ben Webster, who was present, gave no comment.
The supporting stars included Billy Taylor Jr. and Eddie Brown, bass; Jack (The Bear) Parker and Charles Simon, drums; Al Haig and Tad Dameron, piano; Bennie Harris and Fats Navarro, trumpets; Helen Humes, vocalist, and for that certain music in between — “Babs” Gonzales with his Three Bips and a Bop entertained, while for kicks, Miles Davis, trumpeter, Leo Parker, baritone sax, and guitarist “Pee Wee” Tinney sat in.
So, if you’ve missed any of the previous sessions, latch on and go bye [sic] the Club Sudan between four and 8:30, and not only will you hear music on a different form, and kick, etc., but you’ll be rubbing elbows with all the celebrities and artists–ala Be-Bop and Re-Bop.
–“Jazz in Be-Bop,” New York Amsterdam News, February 1, 1947, p. 21
JANUARY 29, 1947: New York, NY – Schermer Studio
Fats Navarro and his Thin Men, recording session for Savoy records ✇
JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 1947: Baltimore, MD – Royal Theater, 1329 Pennsylvania Ave.138“Where They Are Playing,” The Chicago Defender, January 25, 1947, p. 10.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 7, 1947: Dayton, OH139“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 6, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 8, 1947: Buffalo, NY140“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 6, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 13, 1947: Akron, OH141“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 6, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 14-20, 1947: Detroit, MI – Paradise Theater, 3711 Woodward Ave.142“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 6, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 21, 1947: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.143“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 13, 1947, p. 18. “Jacquet Grosses Top Even His High Notes,” Down Beat, February 12, 1947, p.3.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 22, 1947: Flint, MI144“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 13, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 23, 1947: Gary, IN145“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 20, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 24, 1947: Indianapolis, IN146“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 20, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 25, 1947: Cincinnati, OH147“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 20, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 6, 1947: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.148“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 20, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 8, 1947: Wilmington, DE149“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 9, 1947: Bridgeport, CT150“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 10, 1947: Baltimore, MD151“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 11, 1947: Norfolk, VA152“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 13, 1947: Richmond, VA153“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 14-16, 1947: Washington, D.C.154“Band Routes,” California Eagle, March 6, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 30, 1947: Bronx, NY – Club 845, 845 Prospect Ave.155Ad, New York Amsterdam News, March 29, 1947
“Matinee Jam Session”
APRIL 1, 1947: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet and his All Stars, recording session for Aladdin records ✇
APRIL 14, 1947: New York, NY – Smalls Paradise, 2294 7th Ave.156Ad, New York Amsterdam News, April 12, 1947, p. 21
“Battle of the Baritone Sax” Leo Parker vs. Serge Chaloff
APRIL 17, 1947: Jersey City, NJ157“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 17, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
April 19, 1947: Atlantic City, NJ158“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 17, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
APRIL 20-24, 1947: Baltimore, MD159“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 24, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
APRIL 25, 1947: New Haven, CT160“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 17, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
APRIL 29, 1947: Toronto, Canada – Mutual Street Arena, 68 Mutual St.161“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 24, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra, (private live recording released on Uptown records) ✇
MAY 1, 1947: Cleveland, OH162“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 24, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 2-8, 1947: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.163“Band Routes,” California Eagle, April 24, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 4, 1947: Chicago, IL – Civic Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr.164“11:60 Club Clicks With Opera House Concert,” Down Beat, May 21, 1947, p. 15.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 9, 1947: Cincinnati, OH – Colonial Ballroom165“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 10, 1947: Louisville, KY – Madison Roller Rink166“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 11, 1947: Indianapolis, IN – Sunset Terrace, 873 Indiana Ave.167“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 12, 1947: Detroit, MI – Mirror Ballroom, 2940 Woodward Ave.168“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 13, 1947: Columbia, OH – Lincoln Ballroom169“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 14, 1947: Meadville, PA – Ballroom170“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 15, 1947: White Plains, NY – Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave.171“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra in a “Battle of Swing” with the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra
MAY 16, 1947: Elizabeth, NJ – Scott Hall172“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 8, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 17, 1947: Morristown, NJ – Morristown High School, 50 Early St.173“Where They Are Playing,” Chicago Defender, May 17, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 18-24, 1947: New York, NY – Savoy Ballroom, 596 Lenox Ave.174“Where They Are Playing,” Chicago Defender, May 17, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 21, 1947: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet and his All Stars, recording session for Apollo records ✇
MAY 27, 1947: Norfolk, VA – U.S.O. Arena175“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 28, 1947: Wilmington, DE – Armory176“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 29, 1947: Richmond, VA – Mosque Ballroom, 6 N Laurel St.177“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MAY 30-JUNE 1, 1947: Washington, D.C. – Music Hall178“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JUNE 2, 1947: Millsboro, DE – Rosedale Beach179“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JUNE 6-12, 1947: Baltimore, MD – Astoria Lounge, 1309 Edmondson Ave.180“Band Routes,” California Eagle, May 29, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JUNE 13-JULY 3, 1947: Washington, D.C. – Club Bali181“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, June 4, 1947, p. 25., “Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, June 18, 1947, p. 21.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
summer, 1947: New York, NY
Sir Charles Thompson and his All Stars, recording session for Apollo records ✇
Leo the Lion, Be-Bop Baritone
by Irving Lutsky
Jazz Panorama, July 1947
If you’ve ever seen or heard Leo Parker with Billy Eckstine, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, or Illinois Jacquet Orchestras you’ll know what I mean when I say that his is one of the brightest new stars in the world of music. For in the hands of “Leo the Lion,” as he was named by Illinois Jacquet, the baritone saxaphone [sic] is transformed from the rhythm instrument it once was to the swinging, driving, front line horn that “The Lion” has made it. Now, here are some facts concerning this “Wonder Boy of the Baritone.”
“FACTS OF LIFE” Lea [sic] was born 22 years ago on April 18, 1925, in Washington, D.C. at 15 he began the study of the alto saxaphone [sic] while attending Armstrong High School in Washington. in 1943 [sic], just three years later, he joined Billy Eckstine on his present instrument, the baritone. After an interesting year and a half with Eckstine he left to join the Benny Carter band, leaving there three months later to replace Charlie Parker in the Dizzy Gillespie Sextet at 52nd Street’s “Spotlite.” In 1944, Leo had met Illinois Jacquet on the west coast and two years later he sat in with the Jacquet band and in December of last year he joined Illinois jumping band in which he is now and intends to remain.
“LEO ON RECORDS” Leo Parker’s recording work in the past, while not extensive, does serve to show at least a sample of his ability. Perhaps Leo’s finest solo is on the Sarah Vaughan Musicraft recording of “My Kinda Love” with Tad Dameron and his orchestra. A good solo is spotted briefly on Jacquet’s “Jivin’ With Jack the Bellboy” on Alladin [sic]. Leo got off a fine chorus on “Jumpin’ at the Woodside,” with Jacquet, which is soon to be released on Appollo [sic]. His latest recording is EB-POB which he and Fats Navarro co-authored. The title is Be-Bop spelled backwards and in addition to Parker and Navarro, Denzil Best, Eugene Ramey, and Tad Dameron round out the line up of this fine Savoy recording. Leo was featured on a WNEW “Saturday Night Swing Session” broadcast from New York recently with the Jacquet orchestra’s wonderful drummer, Art Blakely [sic].
FAVORS “MODERNS” Leo is a friendly and sincere young man who is sincerely devoted to music he plays and to the men beside whom he is playing. Speaking of Illinois Jacquet he says “He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tenor-man of today. Illinois has a real soul and is a real man, both personally and musically.” Of Billy Eckstine, “To me he’s one of the finest people I’ve ever been privileged to know and work with.” This sincerity is not wasted for his friends in the music world are legion, and to them, to Jacquet, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, the late Freddie Webster, Bill Swindell, Barry Ulanov, and to his parents he gives all the thanks they rightfully deserve for their help and encouragement. Leo gives especial credit to his parents who understand and appreciate what he is trying to do, and who have aided and encouraged him in his effort to play the music he knows is right. Also Leo is very grateful to Barry Ulanov for his interest in Leo and for the inspiration he has given him. One of “The Lion’s” closest friends is the Jacquet valet, Paul Douglas, who is described as the “great Be-Bop valet” and is known as “Iceberg-the Cool Breeze.”
LEO AND MUSIC Now that you know about Leo, here is a little something about his music. To him, there is no Be-Bop–he is playing “not a thing with a name but the living music of today.” “However,” says Leo, “if they must call it a name, the man who originated that style of music was Thelonious Monk, a great modern pianist.” Leo chose the baritone because, in his words, “It’s the greatest horn in the world and I know since I’ve been playing it, I do and will do things with it that no one has ever done before.” That, in brief, is exactly what Leo is doing. He plays with a large, brilliant tone, a tremendous driving beat, and a virtuoso dexterity that is almost inconceivable on his large horn. The rich swinging sounds that pour from Leo’s baritone must be heard to be appreciated for really, no words can really describe them.
“THE FUTURE” For the future, Leo intends to stay with the Jacquet orchestra in which he is a vital factor, and to add the mastery of the bass saxophone to his growing list of accomplishments. A picture of “the Lion” will appear in the July Metronome. With young and talented men like Leo rising in the jazz world we can be sure that jazz will not die for, in Leo’s words again, “I appreciate the audience in their approval of the music I play and I hope that they enjoy the music as much as I enjoy playing it.” To sum up, here is a prodigious musician who has come, and will go, a long way, blazing his name across the firmament of jazz and coming to his due recognition as one of the “Greatest.” The name is LEO THE LION PARKER. Remember it. You’ll be hearing him.
Miles and Leo
by Barry Ulanov
Metronome, July, 1947, p. 19
To one group of musicians in New York a couple of guys named Miles Davis and Leo Parker are a lot more important than a couple of guys named Harry James and Harry Carney. The two Harrys are much better known on their instruments, trumpet and baritone, than Miles and Leo, but they’re not half as interesting to the boys up at Minton’s in Harlem or the kids who assemble in Charlie Parker’s back living-room or Tad Dameron’s front.
Miles and Leo are kids themselves, 21 and 22, respectively, but they’re serious. And to them, as to their friends, being serious id half the battle. They divide all musician into two groups, the “serious cats” and the “jokers.” By their standards there are very few of the former and phonograph records full of the latter.
Miles has studied at the Juilliard School of Music, “but I learned more from playing with and talking to Charlie Parker.” Leo studied some alto at high school in Washington, “but I learned to blow from Charlie Parker.” Both have adopted as many of Yardbird’s ideas as they could; Charlie is their mentor, master and moving force.
Both Miles and Leo have played with big bands, Billy Eckstine’s, Benny Carter’s; Leo is with Illinois Jacquet’s colossus right now. Both have played, officially and just for kicks, with Charlie and Dizzy and the little crews which have gathered under various leaders up at Minton’s, home of the bebop brave. Both love to talk about music, Miles more voluble than Leo.
“We’re not just imitating our idols,” Miles makes clear. “We dig what’s happening, that’s all.” What is happening with these musicians is a remarkable transformation of jazz. They’re not just imitators of their idols, as they affirm. Their equipment and their experience are not sufficient yet to mark them as entirely identifiable individuals. But you can’t mistake Leo’s huge tone, his easy command of his horn, his fluency of idea. You can’t miss Miles’ relentless interest in new music, in fresh figures, in arresting handling of bebop, such as those nights of brilliant duetting with Fats Navarro up at Minton’s, their impeccable lines, a fourth apart, joined as tightly as Dizzy and Bird in their unison passages.
These are the emerging jazz heroes, young men in a dry year, who will stick with their ideas, come Eddy Howard or Guy Lombardo.
JULY 4-6, 1947: Newark, NJ – Graham Theater182“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, July 2, 1947, p. 17.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JULY 18-24, 1947: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.183“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, July 16, 1947, p. 17.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JULY 31, 1947: Cleveland, OH – Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E184“Band Routes,” California Eagle, July 31, 1947, p. 18.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
AUGUST 2-27, 1947: Detroit, MI – Club El Sino, 1730 St. Antoine185“Jacquet Does Great Biz At Detroit Club,” Down Beat, August 27, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
ca. AUGUST-SEPTEMBER, 1947: New York, NY186G. Hoefer, Unused notes for article in Down Beat, January 27, 1966. IJS, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ. See L.B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation-The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 131.
Possible unreleased quartet recording session for Savoy with Fats Navarro and Terry Gibbs
SEPTEMBER 10, 1947: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet and his All Stars, recording session for Aladdin records ✇
SEPTEMBER 11, 1947: New Bedford, MA – Acushnet Park187“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 12, 1947: Yonkers, NY – Polish Hall, 92 Waverly St.188“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 13, 1947: Atlantic City, NJ – Waltz Dream Arena189“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 15, 1947: Cleveland, OH – Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E190“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 17, 1947: Toledo, OH – Civic Auditorium191“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 19, 1947: Cincinnati, OH192“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 20, 1947: Dayton, OH – Cotton Club193“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 18, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 21, 1947: Indianapolis, IN – Sunset Terrace, 873 Indiana Ave.194“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 18, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 22, 1947: Pittsburgh, PA – Savoy Ballroom195“Band Routes,” California Eagle, September 18, 1947, p. 19.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 23, 1947: Chicago, IL – Toogood Studio
Gene Ammons Quintet, recording session for Aladdin records ✇
OCTOBER 2-8, 1947: Detroit, MI – Club El Sino, 1730 St. Antoine196Ad, Michigan Chronicle, October 4, 1947
Gene Ammons Quintet
Note: –A private recording was possibly made during this run. See discography for information. ✇
–Illinois Jacquet’s band played at Club Bali in Washington, D.C. from October 3-16.197“Band Routes,” California Eagle, October 2, 1947, p. 22. Presumably Leo Parker missed some or all of these dates to make the El Sino dates with Ammons.
Those of us who passed near St. Antoine and Beacon the past week got a great boot from the tenor sax of Gene Ammons who “Red Topped” his way into Detroiters’ hearts and from Leo Parker whose smeared baritone notes reaped the cream of the El Sino’s applause.
After running through his often -played “Red Top” and everyone’s favorite “After Hours” (piano by Julian [sic] Mance), Ammons put his tenor aside to sing a chorus of “Going Down Slow” which he hollered in such a manner as to bring the conventional house down.
Parker was a kick every time, as he usually is. His “Solitude” on which he alternately caresses and hits his big full-toned notes, showed just what a capable musician can do with a saxophone. And he did, but good.
Ammons’ rhythm included Gene Wright on bass, Mance and Ellis Bartee on drums. From Detroit, the outfit goes to Chicago supporting Billy Eckstine at the club Silhouette.
The International Sweethearts of Rhythm open at the Club El Sino Oct. 10.
–“‘Red Top’ Bows Out; All-Girl Group at Sino,” Michigan Chronicle, October 11, 1947, p. 18
OCTOBER 4, 1947: Detroit, MI
Leo Parker All Stars, recording session for Savoy records ✇
OCTOBER 21, 1947: Wilson, NC – Community Center198“Band Routes,” Baltimore Afro-American, October 25, 1947, p. 6.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 22, 1947: Danville, VA – City Armory199ad, The Bee, October 22, 1947, p. 6. or Greensboro, NC200“Band Routes,” Baltimore Afro-American, October 25, 1947, p. 6.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 23, 1947: Lynchburg, VA201“Band Routes,” California Eagle, October 23, 1947, p. 22.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 25, 1947: New York, NY – Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St.202“Illinois Jacquet to Make 2nd Carnegie Hall Bow,” Philadelphia Tribune, October 21, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 26, 1947: Chicago, IL – Civic Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr.203“Swinging the News,” Chicago Defender, October 18, 1947, p. 19.
“All Star Jazz Program” featuring Charlie Ventura, Mildred Bailey, Dallas Bartley, and Leo Parker
Note: Illinois Jacquet’s band played in Buffalo, NY on this date.204“Band Routes,” California Eagle, October 23, 1947, p. 22.
OCTOBER 27, 1947: Toronto, Canada – Palace Pier205“Band Routes,” California Eagle, October 23, 1947, p. 22.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 29, 1947: Youngstown, OH – Nu-Elm Ballroom206“Band Routes,” Baltimore Afro-American, October 25, 1947, p. 6.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
ca. OCTOBER 30, 1947: Milwaukee, WI207Jimmie Butts, “The Music Box,” Rhythm, October, 1947, p. 27.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 6, 1947: Detroit, MI – Paradise Theater, 3711 Woodward Ave.208“Band Routes,” California Eagle, October 23, 1947, p. 22.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER, 1947 (some sources say spring, 1948): Detroit, MI – United Sound Systems
Russell Jacquet and his All Stars, recording session for Sensation records ✇
NOVEMBER 7, 1947: Grand Rapids, MI – Armory209“Band Routes,” California Eagle, November 6, 1947, p. 23.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 8, 1947: Gary, IN – Miramir Ballroom, 14th Ave. and Madison St.210“Band Routes,” California Eagle, November 6, 1947, p. 23.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 9, 1947: Saginaw, MI – Armory211“Band Routes,” California Eagle, November 6, 1947, p. 23.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 11, 1947: Indianapolis, IN – Sunset Terrace, 873 Indiana Ave.212“Band Routes,” California Eagle, November 6, 1947, p. 23.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 14-20, 1947: St. Louis, MO – Club Riviera, 4460 Delmar Blvd.213“Illinois Jacquet Increases Size Of ‘Sextette,’” Philadelphia Tribune, November 11, 1947, p. 12. 214Photograph from outside Club Riviera with Jacquet’s name on the marquis. https://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/umsl/islandora/object/umsl%3A185784
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 21-27, 1947: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.215“Illinois Jacquet Increases Size Of ‘Sextette,’” Philadelphia Tribune, November 11, 1947, p. 12.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 28, 1947: Chicago, IL
Illinois Jacquet and his All Stars, recording session for Aladdin records ✇
DECEMBER, 1947: Leo Parker signs a recording contract with Savoy records.216“Savoy Records Ink Be-Bop Artists Into Long-Term Contract,” New Journal and Guide, December 27, 1947, p. 17.
DECEMBER 4-10, 1947: Newark, NJ – Adams Theater217“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, December 3, 1947, p. 17.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 11, 1947: New York, NY
Dexter Gordon Quintette, recording session for Savoy records ✇
DECEMBER 11-24, 1947: New York, NY – Three Deuces, 72 W 52nd St.218“Band Routes,” California Eagle, December 11, 1947, p. 22.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
DECEMBER 18, 1947: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra, recording session for RCA Victor records ✇
DECEMBER 19, 1947: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra, recording session for RCA Victor records ✇
Leo Parker’s All Stars, recording session for Savoy records ✇
DECEMBER 24, 1947: New York, NY – Harry Smith Studio
J.J. Johnson’s Bop Quintette, recording session for Savoy records ✇
DECEMBER 26, 1947-JANUARY 1, 1948: New York, NY – Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St.219“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, December 17, 1947, p. 17.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
1948
JANUARY 3, 1948: Hartford, CT – State Armory, 360 Broad St.220concert poster
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY 9-15, 1948: Baltimore, MD – Royal Theater, 1329 Pennsylvania Ave.221“Where the Bands are Playing,” Down Beat, December 31, 1947, p. 17.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
JANUARY 16, 1948: Hartford, CT – Bushnell Memorial Auditorium, 166 Capitol Ave.222ad, Hartford Courant, January 8, 1948, p. 7.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 17, 1948: Philadelphia, PA – Town Hall223“Jazz Stars Listed For Concert Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 17, 1948, p. 13. and New York, NY – Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave.224ad, Daily News, January 11, 1948
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 18, 1948: Providence, RI – Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Pl. and Boston, MA – Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave.225“Symphony Hall Jazz Concert,” Boston Globe, January 19, 1948, p. 16.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 19, 1948: Worcester, MA – Auditorium
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 20, 1948: New Haven, CT
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 22, 1948: Philadelphia, PA – Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St. (and/or) Washington, D.C. – Turner’s Arena, 1342 W St.226ad, The Sunday Star, January 11, 1948, p. C7.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 23, 1948: Newark, NJ – Mosque Auditorium, 1020 Broad St.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 24, 1948: Rochester, NY – Masonic Auditorium and Buffalo, NY – Kleinhan’s Music Hall227ad, Buffalo Courrier-Express, January 18, 1948
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 25, 1948: Flint, MI – I.M.A. Auditorium, 815 E 2nd Ave. and Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 26, 1948: Pittsburgh, PA – Syria Mosque, 4400 Bigelow Blvd.228ad, The Pittsburgh Press, January 15, 1948
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 27, 1948: Cleveland, OH
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 28, 1948: CANCELLED229“Illinois Jacquet Band Fails to Arrive for Concert,” Indianapolis News, p. 3.Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theater, 502 N New Jersey St.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 29, 1948: St. Louis, MO – Kiel Auditorium, 1401 Clark Ave.230“Jazz Concert Given,” St. Louis Star and Times, January 30, 1948, p. 13.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 30, 1948: Chicago, IL – Civic Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
JANUARY 31, 1948: St. Louis, MO – Kiel Auditorium, 1401 Clark Ave.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
FEBRUARY 1, 1948: Minneapolis, MN – Armory, 500 S 6th St.231concert poster
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra & Ella Fitzgerald
FEBRUARY 12, 1948: Washington, D.C. – Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW232“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 12, 1948, p. 15.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 13, 1948: Lancaster, PA – Moose Hall, 132 N Water St.233“Band Routes,” California Eagle, February 12, 1948, p. 15.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 21, 1948: New York, NY – Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St.234ad, New York Amsterdam News, February 21, 1948, p. 25.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
FEBRUARY 25, 1948: Paterson, NJ – Eastside High School Auditorium, 150 Park Ave.235“Illinois Jacquet,” Morning Call, February 25, 1948, p. 4.
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
MARCH 23, 1948: Detroit, MI
Leo Parker Quintette/Sextette, recording session for Savoy records ✇
ca. 1948(?): Detroit, MI – Royal Blue Bar, 8401 Russell St.
Leo Parker performs with the King Porter Orchestra
APRIL 3, 1948: New York, NY – Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave.236Ad, New York Amsterdam News, March 20, 1948, p. 23
Pittsburgh Courrier Charities Fund “Midnite Jazz Concert”
APRIL 18, 1948: New York, NY – Renaissance Casino, 2341 7th Ave.237Ad, New York Amsterdam News, April 17, 1948, p. 25
Illinois Jacquet and his Orchestra
APRIL 24, 1948: New York, NY – Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave.238“Carnegie Rocks for Basie,” New York Amsterdam News, May 1, 1948, p. 24.
Leo Parker sits in with Count Basie and his Orchestra at the Fred Robbins “One Night Stand” concert. Other guests included Hot Lips Page, Buck Clayton, Al Killian, Taps Miller, and Lucky Thompson.
APRIL 30-ca. MAY 6, 1948: Baltimore, MD – Club Astoria
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
Leo Parker, the mad sax “wiz” and king of the baritones, will bring his seven-piece combo into the ASTORIA tonight (Friday) for a limited engagement. Parker played an important part in Illinois Jacquet’s “terrif” crew.
–“Gateway to Gayway,” The Baltimore Afro-American, May 1, 1948, p. 21
Leo Parker, who left Illinois Jacquet’s sax section to form his own small band, has been breaking in with five men and a vocalist the Club Astoria, Long Island [sic].
–“Trade Tattle,” Down Beat, May 19, 1948, p. 7
May 8, 1948, Billboard magazine writes: “Bary-saxist Leo Parker has left the Illinois Jacquet crew and formed a five-piece combo of his own for clubs and theaters. Associated Booking is handling his booking.”239“Music—As Written,” Billboard, May 8, 1948, p. 28.
MAY 22, 1948: Philadelphia, PA – Chris Perry Elk’s Lodge, 4932 N Broad St.240Kae Williams, “Brightlight Banter,” Philadelphia Tribune, May 22, 1948, p. 12.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
MAY 29, 1948: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.241Joe Segal, liner notes for Leo Parker, The Late Great King of the Baritone Sax, recorded July 4, 1951, August 10, 1953, Chess CHV 413, 1971, LP.
Leo Parker/Fats Navarro
ca. JUNE, 1948: Philadelphia, PA – Tropical Gardens242“Music—As Written,” Billboard, June 12, 1948, p. 37.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
JUNE 18-24(?), 1948: Philadelphia, PA – Watts’ Zanzibar, 1833 W Columbia Ave.243Kae Williams, “Bright Light Banter,” Philadelphia Tribune, June 12, 1948, p. 13.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
Back Door Stuff
by Allan McMillan
New York Amsterdam News, October 30, 1948, p. 31
Oscar Cohen reports that Barytone [sic] Saxophonist Leo Parker, one time featured star with Illinois Jacquet’s band who has been ill for several months in a Washington, D.C. Sanitarium, will soon be well enough to return to Manhattan. He won’t resume his musical activities, however, until after January 1st.
Back Door Stuff
by Allan McMillan
New York Amsterdam News, November 6, 1948, p. 27
Ray Pino is my nomination of the week for the finest ‘good deed.’ He’s promoting a ‘Jazz Session’ at the 845 Club this Sunday [November 7th] afternoon from three until nine, proceeds of which will go to raise funds for ailing Leo Parker, formerly sax player with Illinois Jacquet. Committee is composed of Leonard Feathers [sic], Sammy Kaye, Ross Russell and Ray Pino and some friendly swing artists will donate their services for this most worthy cause.
1949
Back Door Stuff
by Allan McMillan
New York Amsterdam News, January 15, 1949, p. 23
Leo Parker, musician formerly with the Illinois Jacquet crew, out of the Sanitarium and now recuperating at his home in Washington.
FEBRUARY 20, 1949: New York, NY – Royal Roost, 1580 Broadway244Handbill for “A Real Crazy Benefit for Wild Leo Parker,” February 20, 1949, Royal Roost, New York, NY
“A Real Crazy Benefit for WILD LEO PARKER”
Babs [Gonzales] will headline a benefit at the Royal Roost [November 20th] for one of his buddies, ‘Wild Leo’ Parker, sensational sax star just out of the hospital in D.C.
—New York Age, February 19, 1949, p. 11
DECEMBER 18, 1949: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.245“Chicago Briefs,” Down Beat, Jan 13, 1950, p. 3.
Leo Parker backed by Claude McLin’s combo
1950
JANUARY 13-19, 1950: Chicago, IL – Regal Theater, 4719 South Pkwy.246ad, Los Angeles Sentinel, January 12, 1950, p. B6.
Billie Holiday/Stump and Stumpy/Wong Sisters/Jay Burkhart and the All-Star Jay-Bird Orchestra featuring Wardell Gray, Miles Davis, Leo Parker, Joe Williams
JUNE 1(?)-21, 1950: New York, NY – Birdland, 1678 Broadway247R.J. DeLuke, “A Remembrance of Percy Heath,” https://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-remembrance-of-percy-heath-part-1-2-percy-heath-by-rj-deluke
Bud Powell septet with Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, J.J. Johnson, Leo Parker, Percy Heath and Art Blakey
JULY 20, 1950: New York, NY
Leo Parker and his Quartet, recording session for Prestige records ✇
AUGUST, 1950, Metronome magazine writes: “Leo Parker has returned to the jazz scene, with a small group that includes John Taswell on trombone, Frank Cooper on tenor, and a rhythm section in addition to his own baritone horn. Group is under the direction of Joe Glaser.”248“Personalities,” Metronome, August 1950, p. 8.
…Leo Parker had formed a group and asked me if I wanted to play with him. So I joined his group in New York because he was one of those who used to sit in with us at The Congo Lounge in Chicago. He used to come there with Illinois Jacquet’s band. So we worked for about two weeks and then nothing! And I had spent all my money! Leo was from Washington, D.C. where our last gig was. So myself and the trombone player, Taswell Baird who used to play in Dizzy’s band, we were both stranded. This was the first time I’d ever been stranded. In the meantime, Leo gets sick and has to go into the hospital…
…Charlie Rouse was in the group. There was a trumpet player named Wesley Anderson. A drummer named George Brown. They called him “Dude” Brown… Tommy Motrey was the bass player. That group didn’t last more than a couple of months though... –Junior Mance
—Cadence, July, 1994
DECEMBER 28, 1950: Philadelphia, PA (or New York, NY)
Leo Parker and his Mad Lads, recording session for Gotham records ✇
1951
JULY 4 (or 7), 1951: Chicago, IL – Universal Recording
Leo Parker and his Quintet, recording session for Chess records ✇
SEPTEMBER 14, 1951: Chicago, IL
Ray Snead, recording session for Mercury records ✇
NOVEMBER 11, 1951: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.249“Cavalcade to Spotlight Some Top Musicians,” Chicago Defender, November 3, 1951, p. 12.
“Autumn Cavalcade” with Claude McLin, Von Freeman, Eddie Johnson, Leo Parker, Grady Johnson, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Ethel Duncan, Motis Clifton, Phillip Carney, and John Jenkins
DECEMBER 31, 1951: Chicago, IL – Union Park Temple, 1507 W Ogden Ave.250Ad, Chicago Defender, December 29, 1951, p. 6
Leo Parker and his band
1952
APRIL 18, 1952, Down Beat magazine writes: “Bary saxist Leo Parker organizing a combo in town [Chicago].251“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, April 18, 1952, p. 19.
MAY 23-ca. JULY 3, 1952: Kansas City, MO – Boulevard Room252“Running The Scale,” The Call, May 23, 1952, p. 9; “Running The Scale,” The Call, May 30, 1952, p. 9; “Leo Parker Into Second Week at Boulevard Room,” The Call, May 30, 1952, p. 9; “Running The Scale,” The Call, June 6, 1952, p. 8; “Running The Scale,” The Call, June 13, 1952, p. 9; “Running The Scale,” The Call, June 20, 1952, p. 8; “Running The Scale,” The Call, June 27, 1952, p. 9;
Leo Parker combo with Roy Eldridge
The way LEO PARKER and his group work at the BOULEVARD ROOM, is an example of what it takes to make a name. These boys work extremely hard to please and satisfy the customers and their interpretations and delivery of modern music is something to long remember. If you are in doubt about the musical version of BOP, then my advice is go and hear these boys and form your own opinion…then tell me.
–Bee Flatt, “Running the Scales,” The Call, June 6, 1952, p.8
Reports say that Leo Parker is breaking it up in Kaycee with his combo. Happy, healthy, and blowing well again, he’s getting big notices.
–“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, July 2, 1952, p. 3
JULY, 1952: Kansas City, MO – Latin Villa, 1208 Wyandotte St.253Ad, Kansas City Times, July 2, 1952, p. 19
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
Leo (Mad-Lad) Parker and his ork played the Latin Quarter [sic], Kansas City, Mo., this month, marking the first time that the club has played an r.&b. band. The ork was booked into the room as a result of the business it pulled during its six-week stay at the Boulevard Room in Kaycee.
–Bob Rolontz, “Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, July 26, 1952, p. 39
AUGUST 9, 1952: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.254“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, August 27, 1952, p. 3.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
ca. AUGUST, 1952: Nashville, TN – Grady’s255Jack Tracy, “Leo ‘Mad Lad’ Parker Is Mild, No Longer Wild,” Down Beat, August 27, 1952, p. 16.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
Leo ‘Mad Lad’ Parker Is Mild, No Longer Wild
by Jack (Tracy?)
Down Beat, August 27, 1952, p. 16
The Mad Lad is still mad. But mostly at himself for drifting deep into anonymity in the last couple of years and letting the music scene just about pass him by completely.
So Leo Parker is starting from the beginning again. He has rid himself of the frustrations and insecurities that made him the frantic Leo of old and is now working hard with his own quintet–a group he promises will be of top caliber with further work, rehearsals, and a couple of personnel changes.
And probably the most succinct way of pointing out the change in him is to mention that a few years ago he made a descriptively-titled record called Wild Leo. His most recent cutting is a side proudly designated Cool Leo.
A generous share of credit for ridding Leo of his troubles and showing him he was getting nowhere speedily must go to his new manager, George Hill, who also works for the Chicago Defender.
After Parker left Illinois Jacquet in 1950 he drifted awhile, then came to Chicago. He worked rarely, floated in and out of town. Then Hill met him, squared him away, took over his affairs, and booked Parker with a combo into the Boulevard Room in Kansas City a couple of months ago. With the added impetus of Roy Eldridge on trumpet, the band did beautifully and stayed on through a couple of options.
Then the owner of the K.C. Latin Quarter [sic], which had been booking top units like the Dorseys, Guy Lombardo, etc., brought the band in for two weeks, marking the first time a colored unit had played the place.
The band did excellently, then moved into a string of one-nighters that ended with his current two-weeker plus options at Grady’s, in Nashville.
And his recent records for Chess have been moving well, especially on r. and b. jukes, and it appears that once more the former altar boy from Washington D.C. is on his way to the rewards his large talent should reap.
NOVEMBER 7-15, 1952: St. Louis, MO – Glass Bar, 2935 Lawton Blvd.
Gene Ammons and his Orchestra
NOVEMBER 15, 1952: Chicago, IL
Leo Parker and his Mad Lads, recording session for United records ✇
NOVEMBER 16, 1952: St. Louis, MO – Mocambo Ballroom, 2839 Olive St.
Gene Ammons and his Orchestra
1953
ca. FEBRUARY, 1953, Leo Parker signs with Universal Attractions256Ted Yates, “Hot Off the Press,” Cleveland Plain-Dealer, February 6, 1953, p. 5.
Universal Attractions publishes a listing for Leo Parker in the 1953 Down Beat band directory:
LEO PARKER
Record Company: United
Booking Office: Universal Attractions
Baritone saxist, after a short recent stint with Gene Ammons, now out on his own with a six-piece group playing many r&b location one-nighters and some clubs. Band is gutty, frenetic, features Oscar Pettiford’s brother Ira on bass and trumpet.
FEBRUARY 15, 1953: Detroit, MI – Madison Ballroom, 4643 Woodward Ave.257Ad, Detroit Free Press, February 15, 1953, p. 14
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
MARCH 7, 1953: Minneapolis, MN – Labor Temple, 117 4th St. SE258“Ellis to Present Leo Parker at Labor Temple,” Minneapolis Spokesman, March 6, 1953, p. 8.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
MARCH 16-22, 1953: Dayton, OH – Blue Angel, 1217 W 3rd St.259Ad, Dayton Daily News, March 18, 1953, p. 19
Wini Brown/Leo Parker and his Orchestra
MAY 11, 1953: Detroit, MI – Graystone Ballroom, 4237 Woodward Ave.260Houston Byrd, “Byrdland,” Detroit Tribune, May 9, 1953, p. 5.
The Five Royals/Leo Parker/Sonny Stitt/Jimmy Forrest/Little Esther
ca. AUGUST, 1953: Chicago, IL – Flame Show Lounge, 809 E Oakwood Blvd.261Ad, Chicago Defender, August 6, 1953
Leo Parker
AUGUST 1, 1953: Evansville, IN – Coliseum, 300 Court St.262“Leo Parker Headlines Bill for Variety Show,” Evansville Courrier and Press, July 28, 1953, p. 24.
The Flamingos/Leo Parker/Evalyn Pervis/Ray Randolph/Richards and Thompson
AUGUST 6, 1953: Lexington, KY – Lyric Theater, 300 E 3rd St.263Ad, Lexington Herald Leader, August 5, 1953, p. 16
The Flamingos/Leo Parker/et al.
AUGUST 9, 1953: Cleveland, OH – Circle Theater, 10208 Euclid Ave.264“Circle Stage Show Features Flamingos,” Cleveland Call and Post, August 8, 1953, p. 7B.
The Flamingos/Leo Parker/et al.
AUGUST 10, 1953: Chicago, IL
Leo Parker, recording session for Parrot records ✇
AUGUST 28, 1953: Leo Parker Joins Local 208 A.F.M. Chicago, IL265Leo Parker, Local 208 A.F.M. dues payment log.
SEPTEMBER, 1953: Chicago, IL – Nob Hill, 5228 Lake Park Ave.266“Rhythm And Blues Notes,” Billboard, September 19, 1953, p. 38.
Leo Parker/Lefty Bates and his Orchestra
OCTOBER 18, 1953: Chicago, IL – El Mocambo, 1519 W Madison St.267Leo Parker, Local 208 A.F.M. dues payment log.
possible Leo Parker gig
DECEMBER 4-12, 1953: St. Louis, MO – Glass Bar, 2935 Lawton Blvd.268Ad, St. Louis Post Dispatch, December 4, 1953, p. 6-D
Leo Parker and his Quintette
1954
JULY 6-18, 1954: Pittsburgh, PA – Midway Lounge, 600 Penn Ave.269“On The Upbeat,” Variety, July 21, 1954, p. 41.
Leo Parker with Reid Jaynes and the Deuces Wild
JULY 6-7, 1954: Cincinnati, OH
Bill Jennings-Leo Parker Quintet, recording session for King records ✇
JULY 8, 1954: Pittsburgh, PA
Leo Parker, Jill Corey, and Jimmy Jones are guests on the Bob Parks “Rhythm Rendezvous” KQV radio show at 11:15pm.270Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 8, 1954, p. 6.
AUGUST 9-15, 1954: Cleveland, OH – Loop Lounge, 612 Prospect Ave.271“Great Ben Webster Coming to the Loop Lounge Next Week,” Cleveland Call and Post, August 14, 1954, p. 5B.
J.J. Johnson, Leo Parker, and Lockjaw Davis with Jimmy Saunders
DECEMBER 13, 1954: New York, NY – Fine Sound
Illinois Jacquet recording session for Clef records ✇
1955
JANUARY 22, 1955: Chicago, IL – Pershing Ballroom, 64th St. at Cottage Grove Ave.272“Rhythm n’ Blues Ramblings,” Billboard, January 22, 1955, p. 27.
Singing Sax Show and Dance with Wardell Gray, Gene Ammons, Eddie Chamblee, Leo Parker, The Echoes, The Clouds, and The Fortunes
1956
ca. JULY, 1956: New York, NY273Arizona Sun, July 19, 1956, p.6
unknown activities
SEPTEMBER 30, 1956: Washington, D.C., Leo Parker’s father, David S. Parker, dies at the age of 52.274obituary, Evening Star, October 2, 1956, p. A18.
1957
No documented activities.
1958
FEBRUARY, 1958: Washington, D.C., Leo Parker is hospitalized with tuberculosis.275“Court Orders Confinement of Two as TB Carriers,” Evening Star, February 6, 1958, p. 1.
1959
No documented activities.
1960
No documented activities.
1961
ca. spring, 1961: Washington, D.C. – Abart’s International, 1928 9th St. NW276“Strictly Ad Lib,” Down Beat, June 22, 1961, p. 52.
Leo Parker and his Orchestra
SEPTEMBER 9, 1961: Englewood Cliffs, NJ – Van Gelder Studio
Leo Parker recording session for Blue Note records ✇
OCTOBER 12, 1961: Englewood Cliffs, NJ – Van Gelder Studio
Leo Parker recording session for Blue Note records ✇
OCTOBER 20, 1961: Englewood Cliffs, NJ – Van Gelder Studio
Leo Parker recording session for Blue Note records ✇
1962
FEBRUARY 5, 1962: New York, NY
Illinois Jacquet recording session for Epic records ✇
FEBRUARY 12 (or 11) , 1962, Leo Parker dies of a heart attack in New York, NY at the age of 36 while running a bath in his hotel room. Parker was to record again for Blue Note on February 13th.277“The End of a Comeback,” Down Beat, March 29, 1962, p. 13.
