Greely Walton

• Born: October 04, 1904, Mobile, AL
• Died: October 09, 1993
• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Sax (Tenor)

Biography

Swing-era tenor saxophonist Greely Walton played under several well-known bandleaders beginning in the late '20s, including Elmer Snowden, Benny Carter, Luis Russell, Horace Henderson, Cootie Williams, and Cab Calloway. Walton's first instrument was violin. He studied music at the University of Pittsburgh before embarking on a music career. Stints with Snowden (1926) and Carter (1929) were followed by a lengthy tenure with Russell (1930-1937). During this time the Russell band was occasionally fronted by trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen; from 1935 the band served as Louis Armstrong's backing group. After leaving Russell, Walton played with Vernon Andrade (1938), Henderson (1941), Williams (1942-1943, on bari sax), and Calloway (1943-1945). He took over as musical director of the vocal group the Ink Spots in 1945, remaining until 1947. He also played briefly with Noble Sissle in the late '40s. After 1948 he played mostly with trumpeter/arranger Sy Oliver, working in radio and television. Walton retired from music in the mid-'50s. ~ Chris Kelsey, All Music Guide