Biography
Talmadge Smith, 11 January 1909, Kinston, North Carolina, USA, d. 17 August 1971, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. After learning to play piano and C-melody saxophone, Smith settled on alto and soprano saxophones. It was on alto that he made his name, working in bands led by Fate Marable, Lucky Millinder and Frankie Newton during the 30s. He also played in Teddy Wilson’s ill-fated big band, at this time often playing tenor. In 1939 and into the early 40s he was in great demand, recording with Billie Holiday, Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines, Charlie Shavers, Coleman Hawkins, playing with Count Basie and Millinder again, and also leading his own band. In the late 40s and early 50s he played only part-time but, after making some popular R&B recordings, he was soon back leading a band, which he continued to do throughout most of the 50s. Late in the decade he again dropped out of full-time music, ending his career playing organ in a St. Louis...
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