Harry Carney

Harry Howell Carney (April 1, 1910 – October 8, 1974) was a jazz saxophonist and clarinettist who spent over four decades as a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

[2] Carney began by playing the piano at age seven, moved to the clarinet at 14, and added the alto saxophone a year later.

[1] Early influences on Carney's playing included Buster Bailey, Sidney Bechet, and Don Murray.

[4] After playing a variety of gigs in New York City at the age of 17, Carney was invited to join the Duke Ellington band for its performances in Boston in 1927.

[8] In January 1938, Carney was invited to play with Benny Goodman's band at Carnegie Hall.

[14] With Rosemary Clooney With Duke Ellington With Ella Fitzgerald With Benny Goodman With Jazz at the Philharmonic With Johnny Hodges With Billy Taylor Main sources:[15][16]

Jimmy Hamilton and Harry Carney, Aquarium NYC, c. November 1946. Photo by William P. Gottlieb .