Grady Watts

• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Trumpet

Biography

A big band trumpeter in the '30s and ‘40s working most notably with the Casa Loma Orchestra, Grady Watts studied at the University of Oklahoma before beginning his career in Louisiana in the late ‘20s. Watts joined saxophonist Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra in 1931, just in time to share in the band's greatest successes; the group recorded for major labels--including Decca, Brunswick, and Victor--and became quite popular, particularly among college students. Watts stayed with the group until 1942. By that time its popularity had declined and many original members had left the band. Watts was one of the group's principal soloists during his tenure. His solo work can be heard on the Casa Loma track No Name Jive, made for Decca in 1940. By 1945 Watts had ceased working full-time as a musician. ~ Chris Kelsey, All Music Guide