Biography
Joseph Edward Fillipelli, 26 March 1915, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, d. 17 August 2001, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Phillips initially played clarinet, working with trumpeter Frankie Newton, before switching to tenor saxophone in the late 20s. After playing in small groups in the New York area, Joe ‘Flip’ Phillips joined Woody Herman’s First Herd in 1944. By the time Herman disbanded the unit two years later, Phillips’ reputation as a tenor saxophonist was established nationally and on record. He then became a member of Norman Granz’s touring package, Jazz At The Philharmonic, a move that raised his international profile, gaining particular acclaim for his solo on ‘Perdido’. He remained with JATP until the late 50s, toured Europe with Benny Goodman and then opted for working outside music by day, managing a beachside housing development, and leading a small group by night in Florida. This lifestyle continued for 15...
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