Otto Hardwick

Otto Hardwick had a sweet tone on alto and a fluid style. Hardwick grew up with Duke Ellington, and was originally a bassist until Ellington talked him into switching to C-melody sax in 1920. He was an original member of the Washingtonians, and was with Ellington until 1928 when he traveled to Paris, working with Noble Sissle. He had his own band by 1930, but two years later re-joined Ellington. ...more