Child prodigy, son of musicians, Don Redman studied piano from the age of 3, and played in an orchestra at 6. He learned the trumpet at 8, wrote his first arrangements as soon as he entered school, and played in his Baptist parish orchestra at 13. He graduated from Storer College in Harper's Ferry. The Little Giant Of Jazz's first major musical experience came when he joined Fletcher Henderson's band as alto saxophonist and arranger (1923-1927). Louis Armstrong joined the band in 1924-1925, before setting up his own Hot Five. During his time with Fletcher Henderson's orchestra, Don Redman recorded with the great singers of the day: Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters. In 1927, he left Fletcher Henderson to take over the management of Mc Kinney's Cotton Pickers, founded in 1920 by William Mc Kinney as The Synco Jazz Band. Don Redman played every role: saxophonist, composer, arranger, musical director. He gave the group a real identity, leaving in October 1931 to form his own band with trombonist Benny Morton. The group performed well until 1940, taking advantage of the spread of jazz on the airwaves to make a name for itself. Redman disbanded the band in 1940, devoting his time to composing and arranging for television, radio and, of course, the big bands: Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Cootie Williams, Cab Calloway and others. He reassembled a large orchestra for two European tours in 1946 and 1951, but rarely performed in public. Don Redman is considered the first arranger in the history of jazz, his innovative writing taking into account all sections of the orchestra, as well as improvisations, in which he introduces the famous call and response.
