Representative Albums: "1938-1940," "Dr. Jazz Series, Vol. 6," "Feelin' High and Happy"
Representative Songs: "Uncle Sam Blues," "St. James Infirmary," "Pagin' Mr. Page"
Biography
One of the great swing trumpeters in addition to being a talented blues vocalist, Hot Lips Page's premature passing left a large hole in the jazz world; virtually all musicians (no matter their style) loved him. Page gained early experience in the 1920s performing in Texas, playing in Ma Rainey's backup band. He was with Walter Page's Blue Devils during 1928-1931, and then joined Bennie Moten's band in Kansas City in time to take part in a brilliant 1932 recording session. Page freelanced in Kansas City and in 1936 was one of the stars in Count Basie's orchestra but, shortly before Basie was discovered, Joe Glaser signed Hot Lips as a solo artist. Although Page's big band did alright in the late '30s (recording for Victor), if he had come east with Basie he would have become much more famous. Page was one of the top sidemen with Artie Shaw's orchestra during 1941-1942 and then mainly freelanced throughout the remainder of his career, recording with many all-star groups and always being a welcome fixture at jam sessions. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Oran Thaddeus Page (27 January1908 – 4 November1954) jazztrumpeter, singer, bandleader born in Dallas, Texas, better known as Hot Lips Page by the public, and Lips Page by his fellow musicians. He was known as a scorching soloist and powerful vocalist.[1]
He began his professional touring career when he joined “Ma” Rainey's band in the 1920s. Page traveled the Southwest with Rainey, Bessie Smith and other touring acts. From 1928 to 1931, Page was a member of the Blue Devils (a group that included Walter Page, no relation, and future jazz superstar, Count Basie), a group that was based in Oklahoma City, where Page gained early fame. [2] In 1932, he joined Bennie Moten’s orchestra, remaining until 1935. After Moten's death, he continued to work with Count Basie. Page played with Count Basie’s original Reno Club band. The Reno Club, in downtown Kansas City, had a floorshow, which included Lips Page and vocalist Jimmy Rushing. Basie's band was just starting to build their notoriety, but in 1936 - on the eve of Basie’s national success - Page decided to forge a solo career.[3]
Just before Basie left for New York City and national success, Page went on his own with Louis Armstrong's manager Joe Glaser, but did not have comparable success. Nonetheless, he was a popular and successful musician, leading several bands and combos of his own, both in Kansas City and New York. He was featured in Artie Shaw's Orchestra and played on many recording sessions, including duets with Pearl Bailey on "The Hucklebuck" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside".
