New Orleans-born Sidney Bechet, one of the most innovative clarinetists in jazz and the undisputed king of the soprano saxophone, began his career as a performer with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra in London. He recorded with Louis Armstrong, co-led a group with Willie "The Lion" Smith, and appeared on NBC Radio's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street. In 1941, as an early experiment in overdubbing, Bechet recorded a version of The Sheik of Araby in which he played six different instruments.
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Volume 1 portrays 35 outstanding musical legends that have shaped and continue to inspire America’s rich jazz tradition.
Volume 2 portrays 35 outstanding musical Blues legends that have helped begin most other forms of music.