Jazz Musician. A native of Dallas, Texas, he was a talented jazz vocalist and trumpeter. Page began playing professionally during the 1920s as a member of Ma Rainey's backup band. He then played with Walter Page's Blue Devils from 1928 to 1931, and then went to Kansas City to play with Bennie Moten's band. In 1932, he participated in a well-known recording session while freelancing in Kansas City, and then joined the Count Basie orchestra. In 1936 just after joining the Basie orchestra, he was discovered and signed as a solo artist by Joe Glaser on the Victor Record Label. He played in his own jazz group from 1936 to 1941, and for Artie Shaw's orchestra from 1941 to 1942. During the rest of the 1940s and early 1950s, he continued his career by recording with all-star groups or participating at jam sessions. Page's recordngs include, "Miss Maringhale," "You Come In Here Woman," "Race Horse Mama Blues," "Thirsty Mama Blues," "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street," and "St. Louis Blues." He was also an accomplished player on the mellophone. He died in New York City in 1954, at the age of 46.
Jazz Musician. A native of Dallas, Texas, he was a talented jazz vocalist and trumpeter. Page began playing professionally during the 1920s as a member of Ma Rainey's backup band. He then played with Walter Page's Blue Devils from 1928 to 1931, and then went to Kansas City to play with Bennie Moten's band. In 1932, he participated in a well-known recording session while freelancing in Kansas City, and then joined the Count Basie orchestra. In 1936 just after joining the Basie orchestra, he was discovered and signed as a solo artist by Joe Glaser on the Victor Record Label. He played in his own jazz group from 1936 to 1941, and for Artie Shaw's orchestra from 1941 to 1942. During the rest of the 1940s and early 1950s, he continued his career by recording with all-star groups or participating at jam sessions. Page's recordngs include, "Miss Maringhale," "You Come In Here Woman," "Race Horse Mama Blues," "Thirsty Mama Blues," "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street," and "St. Louis Blues." He was also an accomplished player on the mellophone. He died in New York City in 1954, at the age of 46.
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