Wardell Gray

Wardell Gray
  • Type: Musician
  • Country: United States
  • Born: February 11, 1921 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
  • Died: May 25, 1955 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
  • Active: 1943 - 1955

Biography

Wardell Gray (1921-1955) was an American bebop tenor saxophonist whose fluent, lyrical playing graced records by *Earl Hines*, *Benny Goodman* and *Count Basie*. His 1947 tenor battle 'The Chase' with *Dexter Gordon* is a bebop landmark; he died in Las Vegas at 34. His own recordings as a leader, mostly for small labels, are prized by collectors, and his composition 'Twisted' outlived him as a standard.

Wardell Gray Discography

Frequent Collaborators