William Alonzo "Cat" Anderson, born September 12, 1916, in Greenville, South Carolina, was an American jazz trumpeter. After losing his parents at age four, he learned to play trumpet at the Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston. He began his career touring with the Carolina Cotton Pickers and later played with various bands, including Lionel Hampton. In 1944, he joined Duke Ellington's orchestra, becoming a central part of Duke Ellington's sound. Known for his wide range, especially in the altissimo register, he played with Duke Ellington from 1944 to 1971, with breaks to lead his own big band. Notable recordings included "Flying Home No. 2" and his compositions "El Gato" and "Bluejean Beguine". He released several albums as a leader, including Cat on a Hot Tin Horn (1958) and Cat Speaks (1977). After leaving Duke Ellington's band in 1971, he settled in Los Angeles. Cat Anderson died of brain cancer on April 29, 1981.
