Hilton Jefferson (July 30, 1903 – November 14, 1968)[1] was an American jazz alto saxophonist born in Danbury, Connecticut, United States,[1] perhaps best known for leading the saxophone section from 1940 to 1949 in the Cab Calloway band.
[2] Jefferson is said to have been "a soft, delicate saxophone player, with an exquisite sensibility.
"[3] In 1929, Jefferson began his professional career with Claude Hopkins, and throughout the 1930s was busy working for the big bands of Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and McKinney's Cotton Pickers.
[1] From 1952–1953, Jefferson performed with Duke Ellington, but ultimately became a bank guard to support himself with a steady income.
[1] In the 1950s, he continued to perform, especially with Rex Stewart and some former members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.